Prevalence of work-related wrist and hand Musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) among computer users, Karnataka state, India

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal (WMSD) disorders of the wrist and hand have been reported among computer users. Data on estimates of prevalence of computer users in India are limited. Aim: To Find prevalence of self-reported WMSD of the wrist and hand among computer users. Method: A survey using questionnaire distributed to 783 computer users, employed at two workplaces in Karnataka, India.Result: Prevalence of self-reported WMSD of the wrist and hand was 58%. Women were more to report symptoms than men (69% vs. 53%). Computer users between 21 to 30 years of age were more to report symptoms than those between 40 to 55 years (76% vs. 9%). Conclusion: The prevalence of WMSD of wrist and hand is high and dependent on gender and age. There is a need to develop specific strategies in workplace to reduce the occurrence of WMSD of the wrist and hand.