Date Presented 04/03/2025
This presentation will review the findings of an evidence-based study assessing self-efficacy among students receiving online education to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. OTs can use these findings to create targeted programs to promote wellness in student populations.
Primary Author and Speaker: Barbara Alice Davis
PURPOSE: Computer use has become standard in higher education, and students may not possess the knowledge or self-efficacy to prevent computer-related overuse injuries. Research has shown that multi-component educational interventions effectively reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study aimed to answer the following research question: Does an injury prevention educational program improve university students’ self-efficacy, resulting in improved awareness of risk factors associated with MSDs?
DESIGN: Single cohort pre- and post-test intervention design.
METHOD: 12 university students volunteered for this study. Participants completed a demographic, pre- and post-intervention survey and attended one client-based online educational session. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the responses.
RESULTS: The post-intervention data indicated an overall improvement in self-efficacy and knowledge in participants’ ability to reduce workstation risk factors and behaviors. Analysis of qualitative data themes revealed minimal resources on campus to educate students on healthy computer use. The most impactful education reported was workstation setup, micro-stretching during intermittent breaks, and ergonomic equipment recommendations. External factors such as cost, non-adjustable workstations, and poor habits were the primary limitations in adopting healthier computer use strategies.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that an online multi-component ergonomic intervention program can increase university students’ self-efficacy and knowledge, resulting in improved awareness of risk factors associated with MSDs in university students. This project reinforces OT practitioners’ role as ergonomic intervention and injury prevention experts, utilizing an individual goal-based approach. These findings are crucial to clinical practice, offering a promising avenue for OTs to enhance preventive care and wellness in student populations.
References
Borhany, T., Shahid, E., Siddique, W., & Ali, H. (2018). Musculoskeletal problems in frequent computer and internet users, Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care. 7(2),: 337–339. www.doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_326_17
Sirajudeen, M., & Siddik, S. (2017). Knowledge of computer ergonomics among computer science engineering and information technology students in Karnataka, India. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Health Care, 9(2), 64–70. https://doi.org/10.18311/ajprhc/2017/11023
Esmaeilzadeh, S., Ozcan, E., & Capan, N. (2014). Effects of ergonomic intervention on work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders among computer workers: A randomized controlled trial. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 87, 73–83. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-012-0838-5
Sanaeinasab, H., Saffari, M., Valipour, F., Alipour, H., Sepandi, M., Zaben, F. & Koenig, H. (2018). The effectiveness of a model-based health education intervention to improve ergonomic posture in office computer workers: A randomized controlled trial. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 91, 951–962. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-018-1336-1
