Factors Related to Healthcare Utilization of Physical Discomfort in Electronic Device Users at Home

Chapa  Puprasert; Pornkanok  Nimnoi; Woratee  Dacharux

Authors

Chapa Puprasert Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Lerdsin Hospital, Thailand https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3477-4007
Pornkanok Nimnoi Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9188-4615
Woratee Dacharux Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1038-7002

Keywords:

musculoskeletal pain, consumer health information, health-seeking behavior, computers, sitting position

Abstract

Objective This study aims to discern the factors influencing the utilization of healthcare services among individuals experiencing physical discomfort from electronic device usage at home.

Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed. The sociodemographic information, exercise habits, working organization, behavioral patterns, treatment methods, healthcare service usage, and responses to the modified online Thai Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (CMDQ) were reviewed from the web-based online questionnaire surveyed from November 29th to December 28th, 2021. The impact of various factors on healthcare utilization was assessed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results Three hundred and thirty-four participants were included, primarily female (70%) and with a mean age of 35.0±7.3 years. Most common was neck discomfort (24.9%) with 48.5% experiencing chronic symptoms and 52.1% reporting severe discomfort. The majority (72.4%) indicated discomfort in multiple areas (5-7 regions). The methods of treatment consisted of complementary and alternative medicine (23.7%), conventional medicine (16.5%), and both (22.5%). Healthcare services were accessed by 56% of the participants, with 35.9% choosing private healthcare. Healthcare utilization was significantly associated with being aged ≥ 45 years (odd ratio = 5.476, 95%CI 1.953, 15.356), short break durations (odd ratio = 1.809, 95%CI 1.010, 3.240), having an ergonomic policy in the organization (odd ratio = 2.119, 95%CI 1.161, 3.866), chronic symptoms (odd ratio = 1.901, 95%CI 1.047, 3.452), severe discomfort (odd ratio =2.121, 95%CI 1.218, 3.693), and multiple discomfort areas (odd ratio = 2.384, 95%CI 1.060,5.362).

Conclusions Healthcare utilization for addressing physical discomfort among electronic device users is influenced by various factors, including age, short break duration, ergonomic policy in the organization, chronic or severe discomfort, and the extent of discomfort distribution. Prioritizing healthcare facilities for individuals experiencing chronic and severe discomfort is warranted.

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