Effect of Motivational Interviewing on Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevention Behaviors among Computer Workers

Abstract

       Musculoskeletal disorders are the most diagnosed health problems among computer workers. This quasi-experimental research aims to study the effect of a motivational interview (MI) on prevention behaviors against musculoskeletal disorders among computer workers. These 66 computer workers were purposely selected based on inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned into two groups. The experimental group participated in the motivational interviews 4 times for 4 weeks. The control group received only the instruction manual for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders related to computer works. Research instruments consisted of an instruction manual for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders related to computer works, a discussion plan of these interviewing activities, and data collection tools. These tools included a general questionnaire, work posture assessment form (Rosa-Rapid Office Strain Assessment: ROSA), muscle strength assessment forms for sit and reach test, hand grip strength test, and stretching test. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and paired t-test. This study results found that at the end of the study, the experimental group had statistically significant mean scores of ROSA and muscle strength assessment better than prior to the experiment (p<0.05), as well as to the control group (p<0.05), (except for a hand grip test). In sum, the study results indicate that MI is a useful strategy in reducing musculoskeletal risk behavior among computer workers therefore, it should be further implemented to other settings.