Reading Assignment #11

Title: Health Hazards Related to Computer use: Experience of the National Institute for Medical Research in Tanzania

Author: V. P. Mvungi, J. Mcharo, M. E. Mmbuji, L. E. Mgonja, and A. Y. Kitua

URL: Mvungi, V.P., Mcharo, J., Mmbuji, M.E., Mgonja, L.E. and Kitua, A.Y. “Health Hazards Related to Computer use: Experience of the National Institute for Medical Research in Tanzania”. World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology (2008): 48. Web. 15 Oct. 2011.

Abstract of the article:

This  paper is based on a study conducted  in 2006 to assess the impact of computer usage on health of National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) staff. There was a notion among NIMR staff on possible prolonged computer usage health hazards. Hence, a study was conducted to establish facts and possible mitigation measures. A total of 144 NIMR staff were involved in the study of whom 63.2% were males and 36.8% females aged between 20 and 59 years. The  functions  performed  by Institute staff using computers includes data management,  proposal development and report writing, research activities, secretarial duties, accounting  and  administrative  duties,  on-line  information  retrieval and online communication  through e-mail services. The study has indicated ergonomic hazards for a significant proportion of interviewees (63%) of various kinds ranging from  backache  to  eyesight  related  problems. The authors highlighted major issues which are substantially applicable in preventing occurrences of computer related problems .

Three things I learned from my Reading Assignment:

• Studies revealed that most of the problems associated with the use of computer and its accessories can largely be attributed to improper use of computer input devices like keyboard and output devices like monitor, and the insufficient knowledge about safe computer usage, techniques, and practices.
• The chair should be adjusted so that feet are resting on the floor or a footrest, with the hip slightly flexed and the knees kept at 60-90 degree angle. Adjustable chairs are recommended with the backrest of 6 to 9 inches high and at least 12 inches wide in the lumber region to make it comfortable to sit on. Note that sitting upright is less desirable than reclining that makes the lower back muscles work less and the spine to support less weight.
• Computer users should take  frequent  short  breaks (e.g.  30 second  breaks  every  ten minutes) keeping hands away of the keyboard and letting arms  drop  at the  side.  Also, the sitting position should be changed every 15 minutes by getting up from the chair and doing a few exercises to loosen the neck and shoulder muscles. For those who perform more that 2 hours of keyboarding a day, they should take a break at least every 30 minutes. 

Application / Implication of the new things I learned to my work / to me as a person:

Having been proven that there are really health risks associated with computer use, I will observe the proper posture and position while using it. I will also see to it that I take some rest every now and then. I do believe that prevention is better than cure, that is why I will keep in mind the right things to do. I will also share to my co-workers and friends the learnings I got from reading this study.