Association Between Ergonomic Awareness and Neck/Shoulder Pain in IT Professionals
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Abstract
Background: IT professionals are exposed to prolonged computer use, sustained sitting, repetitive upper-limb activity, and static neck and shoulder postures, which may increase the risk of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms. Ergonomic awareness is a modifiable occupational factor that may influence posture, workstation adjustment, break behavior, and early symptom prevention. Objective: This study aimed to determine the association between ergonomic awareness and neck and shoulder pain among IT professionals. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 181 IT professionals at the University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan, using non-probability convenience sampling. Neck and shoulder pain were assessed using the Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, pain intensity was measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and ergonomic awareness was assessed using an ergonomic knowledge questionnaire. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 29. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of participants was 29.8 ± 3.1 years. Neck pain was reported by 96 participants (53.0%), while shoulder pain was reported by 79 participants (43.6%). Moderate-to-severe pain affected 56 participants (30.9%) for neck pain and 38 participants (21.0%) for shoulder pain. Low ergonomic awareness was observed in 96 participants (53.0%), moderate awareness in 55 (30.4%), and high awareness in 30 (16.6%). Ergonomic awareness was significantly associated with neck pain intensity (χ² = 10.00, p = 0.009, Cramer’s V = 0.166) and shoulder pain intensity (χ² = 17.00, p = 0.011, Cramer’s V = 0.217). Conclusion: Lower ergonomic awareness was significantly associated with greater neck and shoulder pain intensity among IT professionals. Workplace ergonomic education and workstation-based preventive strategies may help reduce musculoskeletal symptom burden in computer-intensive occupations.
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