Ergonomic Risk Assessment and Associated Factors among Academic Support Staff Working with Computers

Authors

  • Praeploy Sakset Faculty of Science and Technology, Suratthani Rajabhat University
  • Kanokwan Sriplot Faculty of Science and Technology, Suratthani Rajabhat University
  • Abdulkoiree Domi Faculty of Science and Technology, Suratthani Rajabhat University
  • Chonlada Nualkaew Faculty of Science and Technology, Suratthani Rajabhat University
  • Parnchon Chokprasit Jaiyuen School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University
  • Jirawat Mala Faculty of Science and Technology, Suratthani Rajabhat University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14456/dcj.2025.51

Keywords:

Office personnel, Musculoskeletal disorders, Occupational risk factors

Abstract

This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to assess ergonomic risks and examine associated factors among 73 computer user support staff working in the Office of the President Building, Suratthani Rajabhat University. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire and the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) tool. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied, including Pearson’s Chi-square test and logistic regression. The results showed that most respondents were female (83.6%), aged 40-49 years (45.2%), obese based on body mass index (49.3%), and physically inactive (61.6%). A vast majority (95.9%) of respondents worked more than eight hours per day, while 43.8% reported working overtime. Additionally, 78.1% used computers, a mouse, and a keyboard for more than six hours daily. According to ROSA scores, 89% were classified as having high to very high ergonomic risk, 11% had moderate risk, and none were in the low-risk category. Common ergonomic risk factors included inappropriate seat cushions (32.9%), absence of lumbar support (31.5%), and lack of hands-free equipment (32.9%). Work experience had statistically significant association with ergonomic risks, those with 4–6 years and 7–10 years of experience had 5.6 and 7.3 times higher risk, respectively, than those with 1–3 years of experience (p < 0.05). These findings highlight a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risks among academic support staff. Workplace ergonomic improvements, promotion of correct work behaviors, and the implementation of occupational health policies are recommended for sustainable risk prevention.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Khawgrib S, Bunprom P, Sangsiriwut N, Lorenz S, Ngamdee O, Niyomtoon I. Ergonomic risk assessment of computer users in the offices of a private college in Bangkok. Ind Technol J. 2024;19(1):166-78. (in Thai)

Sengsoon P, Kongkam U. Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Walailak University's officer. Thaksin J. 2019;22(1):21-31. (in Thai)

Jusoh F, Zahid MNO. Ergonomics risk assessment among support staff in Universiti Malaysia Pahang. IOP Conf Ser Mater Sci Eng. 2018;319:012059.

Vinyoocharoenkul J, Pochana K. The ergonomic risk assessment of computer user by Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) method. J Public Health. 2015;45(2):148-58. (in Thai)

Ministry of Public Health. Work-related musculoskeletal disorder (ICD-10 M00–M99, G56.0 with Y96) morbidity rates by area, age group, and occupation, 2025 [Internet]. Ministry of Public Health; 2025 [cited 2025 Aug 3]. Available from: https://hdc.moph.go.th (in Thai)

Amri AN, Putra BI. Ergonomic risk analysis of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) using ROSA and REBA methods on administrative employees faculty of science. J Appl Eng Technol Sci. 2022;4(1):104-10.

Matos M, Arezes PM. Ergonomic evaluation of office workplaces with Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA). Procedia Manuf. 2015;3:4689-94.

Tantipanjaporn T, Yoonim Y, Tongmee Y, Keeratisiroj O. The effect of computer using workload on work-related upper extremity, neck and back musculoskeletal disorders among office workers. Srinagarind Med J. 2019;34(1):60-7. (in Thai)

Mongkonkansai J, Madardam U. Factor related to musculoskeletal disorders among office workers, Walailak University. J Health Sci. 2019;28:37-44. (in Thai)

Chinsompol S, Poonkasem N, Kokkrathok N. Ergonomic risk assessment in lecturer at one of the higher education institutes in Nakhon Ratchasima. Prim Health Care J Northeast Ed. 2024;4(2):79-91. (in Thai)

Sonne MWL, Villalta DL, Andrews DM. Development and evaluation of an office ergonomic risk checklist: ROSA—Rapid Office Strain Assessment. Appl Ergon. 2012;43(1):98-108.

Mekwimon W, Paileeklee S, Jaroenngarmsamer P. Validity and reliability of the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) Thai version. J Med Assoc Thai. 2018;101(1):145-9.

Kraisritum K, Sasipatcharapong J, Tantipanjaporn T. Ergonomic risk assessment and factors associated with work related musculoskeletal disorders among supporting staffs of Naresuan University. Thai J Safety Health. 2019;4(2):35-42. (in Thai)

Krusun M, Chaiklieng S. Ergonomic risk assessment in university office workers. KKU Res J. 2014;19(5):696-707. (in Thai)

de Barros FC, Moriguchi CS, Chaves TC, Andrews DM, Sonne M, de Oliveira Sato T. Usefulness of the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) tool in detecting differences before and after an ergonomics intervention. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2022;23:526.

Payanglee K, Tadsachol N, Sattayachat K, Jalong S, Samae F. Prevalence and factors associated with musculoskeletal injuries among office staff working with computers in Faculty of Medicine, Princess of Naradhiwas University. Songklanagarind J Nurs. 2022;42(1):121-34. (in Thai)

Rattanapanya S, Jaitea S, Nummeesri S, Kaewdaeng K, Katanyu J. Preliminary study of risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among university staffs, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University. Thai J Safety Health. 2016;9(34):20-9. (in Thai)

Yamane T. Statistics: an introductory analysis. 2nd ed. New York: Harper & Row; 1967.

Pongwichai S. Statistical analysis by computer focused on research. 20th ed. Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University; 2009.

Chokprasit P, Puangpee J, Khotpan T, Khongkan N, Thaikert R, Mala J. Factor related to musculoskeletal disorders among durian farmers in Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani Province. Health Sci J Thailand. 2024;6(4):65-73. (in Thai)

Chokprasit P, Yimthiang S, Veerasakul S. Predictors of low back pain risk among rubber harvesters. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(19):1-13.

Chokprasit P, Yimthiang S, Veerasakul S. Development and efficacy evaluation of a personalised self-care programme for reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders among rubber farmers in Thailand. Heliyon. 2023;9:1-17.

Kumar P, Chakrabarti D, Patel T, Chowdhuri A. Work-related pains among the workers associated with pineapple peeling in small fruit processing units of North East India. Int J Ind Ergon. 2016;53:124-9.

Caffaro F, Lundqvist P, Micheletti Cremasco M, Nilsson K, Pinzke S, Cavallo E. Machinery-related perceived risks and safety attitudes in senior Swedish farmers. J Agromedicine. 2017;23(1):78-91.

Downloads

Published

2025-12-29

How to Cite

1.
Sakset P, Sriplot K, Domi A, Nualkaew C, Chokprasit Jaiyuen P, Mala J. Ergonomic Risk Assessment and Associated Factors among Academic Support Staff Working with Computers. Dis Control J [internet]. 2025 Dec. 29 [cited 2025 Dec. 31];51(4):644-57. available from: https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/DCJ/article/view/281788

Issue

Section

Original Article