The effect of a health education program on behavioral modified to correct ergonomics of working: a case study in office workers of library and learning resource center,

Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal disorder is one of common problems among office workers. Quasi-experimental research was used to determine the effect of a health education program based on Self-efficacy Theory and Social Support Concepts for behavioral modification to correct ergonomics of working in Forty-three office workers at the Library and Learning Resource Center of KhonKaen University. The workers were selected by purposive sampling to participate in the study.  Quantitative data was collected using: 1) an Office Ergonomic Analysis Form; 2) a questionnaire and 3) a satisfaction assessment questionnaire. Qualitative data was also collected using the office ergonomic assessment form and focus group. Intervention consisted of individual ergonomic procedure and three sessions of health education activity were organized by group over six weeks. The three sessions included: (1) knowledge training; (2) ergonomic working skills training using demonstration and followed by practices; and (3) a review of the first and the second sessions. The dependent t-test statistic was used to assess the quantitative data of before and after the intervention.  Triangular analysis was used to evaluate the qualitative data. The majority of the participants were female aged 42.2 ± 8.7 years. Most of the participants have completed a bachelor’s degree.  The average work-hour was 8.0 ±1.3 hours per day, of which 4.7 ± 1.7 hours were spent on a computer work station and 3.4 ±1.5 hours work on a desk. The study found that after the intervention, the participants had a significant improvement (P < 0.05) in: 1) assessment of office ergonomics 2) knowledge of work-related disorder and correct ergonomics 3) self-acknowledged abilities 4) expectation the result of its performance and 5) actual performance. The focus group indicated that the participants received all 4 types of social support. Other important ergonomic problems were found which included: 1) Poor sitting posture 2) Poor working space at the book service counter 3) Too much sunlight in the workplace 4) Too heavy a workload and 5) Insufficient workers.  We suggest that a health education program based on self-efficacy theory and social support concepts could serve as a model for behavioral modification to correct ergonomics of working for office workers.