Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among computer user office workers in Sub Sharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Intensive computer use often results in stress and strain on joints and muscles due to the continuous and repetitive nature of the movements involved. Globally, nearly 60 million people experience computer-related health issues each year. Despite the widespread nature of this problem, there had previously been no systematic review focused specifically on the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among computer users in Sub-Saharan Africa. To address this gap, the present review aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and identify their predictors among computer user office workers. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases. All statistical analysis were conducted using STATA version 17. The pooled prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among computer user office workers was estimated using the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Publication bias was assessed by examining the symmetry of the funnel plot, and further confirmed using Egger’s test, where a p-value of less than 0.05 indicated significant bias. The quality and risk of bias of the included studies were evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute’s quality appraisal standards and the appropriate risk of bias assessment tool. The pooled prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among computer-using office workers was 73.13% (95% CI 68.05–78.21). The prevalence by body region was highest in the lower back (46.48%), neck (43.43%), and upper back (39.6%), followed by the shoulder (33.71%), wrist/hand (21.07%), hip/thigh (19.17%), knee (19.05%), elbow (15.01%), and ankle (13.43%). Factors significantly associated with higher odds of MSDs included age ≥ 30 years (AOR = 6.32, 95% CI: 4.64–8.6), female sex (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI: 2.07–4.32), working in awkward posture (AOR = 4.49, 95% CI: 2.66–7.58), lack of physical exercise (AOR = 3.52, 95% CI: 2.12–5.83), stress (AOR = 3.28, 95% CI: 2.21–4.88), prolonged computer use (AOR = 3.87,95%CI: 2.48–6.11), and working without breaks (AOR = 4.07, 95% CI: 2.19–7.56). In Sub-Saharan Africa, the pooled prevalence of MSDs among computer-using office workers is alarmingly high. To address this, governments and employers must enforce appropriate working hours, ensure regular breaks, and create supportive workplace environments, while employees should commit to at least 150 min of weekly physical activity and follow proper ergonomic practices at work.