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College Students and Computers: Assessment of Usage Patterns and Musculoskeletal Discomfort

Time pressure from deadlines, awkward body postures and long-duration, continuous computer use are associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in workers using computers. Few studies have examined computer-use-related MSDs in college students. This study investigated computer use patterns of college students, and made comparisons to a group of computer-using professionals. 234 students completed a web-based questionnaire on computer use habits and discomfort students associated with computer use. As a group, students reported their computer use to be at least ‘Somewhat likely’ 18 out of 24 h/day, compared to 12 h for the professionals. Students reported more uninterrupted work behaviours than the professionals. Younger graduate students reported 33.7 average weekly computing hours, similar to hours reported by younger professionals. Students generally reported more frequent upper extremity discomfort than the professionals. Frequent assumption of awkward postures was associated with frequent discomfort. Results signal a need for intervention prior to entry into the workforce.