KUMJ | VOL. 21 | NO. 4 | ISSUE 84 | OCTOBER - DECEMBER, 2023
Musculoskeletal Disorders, Computer Vision Syndrome and the Quality of Life among Banking Staff in Nepal
Shakya S, Shakya BM, Neupane S
Abstract: Background
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and Computer vision syndrome (CVS) are work-
related health problems affecting people of working-age, which result in loss of
productivity and quality of life.
Objective
To assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and computer vision syndrome
and their association with quality of life among the banking staff of Nepal.
Method
A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 207 banking staff of
the banks of Kathmandu. We used cluster random sampling to recruit the study
participants. Musculoskeletal disorders was defined as pain or discomfort in one of
nine body parts during the past 12 months using the English version of the Nordic
Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ-E). Computer vision syndrome was defined as
the presence of any visual symptoms like dry eye, excessive tearing, eye irritation,
etc. at least once during the past 12 months. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed
through the SF-36 questionnaire. Logistic regression models were fitted to determine
the association of musculoskeletal disorders and computer vision syndrome with
Quality of life.
Result
The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and computer vision syndrome were
65% and 92% respectively. The participants with musculoskeletal disorders were
twice likely to have poor physical Quality of life (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.20-4.58), while
those with Computer vision syndrome were ten times likely to have low physical
Quality of life (10.42, CI: 1.29-84.09).
Conclusion
Musculoskeletal disorders and computer vision syndrome were common among the
bank workers in Nepal and are found associated with poor physical Quality of life.
This calls for strategies emphasizing ergonomics and regular job shifting.
Keyword : Computer, Low- and Middle-Income countries, Musculoskeletal pain, Occupational health
