Background: In recent years, laptop computers were popular among college students for the purpose of education as well as recreation.
Aims & Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the current practice of Laptop computer and computer related health problems among college students, based on ergonomics.
Material and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted over a three month timeframe, from April to June, 2013 in tertiary care hospital and teaching medical college. We included 100 students with age group 22-28 years, using laptop computer. Pre-designed and content validated, self-reporting questionnaire was used for data collection. Students refusal for participation and incomplete questionnaire were excluded in the study.
Results: Current practice of laptops usage was ergonomically improper. Prolonged usage in improper posture has created various musculoskeletal problems among medical students.
Conclusion: Current practice of laptops usage exposes students to prolonged poor postures which leads to various musculoskeletal problems. There is a need to increase the awareness of ergonomics to improve the current practice of laptops usage and to minimize health problems among students.
Key words: Ergonomics; Laptop Computer; Musculoskeletal Problems; Health Problems
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