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Psychology & Psychological Research International Journal Research Article 6 min read

Prevalence of Mental Stress and Myalgia in Software Professionals

Kathirvelraja MU*, Krishnakumari Amma CR, Winston Varghese V, Gopukumar ST and Priyadharshini P
* Corresponding author
ISSN: 2576-0319  10.23880/pprij-16000315  Received: October 31, 2022  Published: December 08, 2022
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Keywords
Neck Pain: Prevalence: Software Professionals
Abstract

Objective To Ascertain the Prevalence of Mental Stress and Myalgia in Software Professionals through Online self-report questionnaire Software developers from various locations participated in this descriptive, cross-sectional study, which was conducted in online from February 2022 to August2022. A non-probability purposive sampling strategy was used to choose people who spend at least 6 hours per day in front of computers and have at least 6 months of work experience. An easily completed questionnaire was used to obtain the data. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 21. Of the 100 individuals, 31-45 yrs Age Group of 49% and 73% are males in this study. According to The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire. “Mental score of Mean 21.3 comes under likely to have mild psychological distress and Physical score of Mean 11.10 comes under minimal disability.Neck pain brought on by using a computer extensively is likely to occur at least occasionally.

Introduction

Numerous studies conducted worldwide suggest that among the many people’s work-related musculoskeletal illnesses (WRMSDs) linked to computer users may have work-related neck pain (WRNP) more frequently than non- users. It has been established that neck discomfort is a persistent, incapacitating illness that experiences flare-ups and remissions. People in their late 20s experience significant movement limitations as a result of using computers [1].

Pilot Study

According to clinical symptoms and signs, trapezius myalgia (38%), tension neck syndrome (17%), and cervicalgia (17%) are the most common causes of neck pain [2]. It is believed that a variety of individual, behavioural, physical, and environmental factors might contribute to the development of neck discomfort [3].

There has been many research done on the prevention and treatment of neck pain brought on by computer use. Keeping a good posture is still essential for preventing neck problems. Several interventions, including as online training, have been suggested to improve computer users’ postures through self-efficacy [4]. The best ways to deal with the general health issues among regular computer users, such as software workers, are proper rest periods, exercise, enough sleep, and relaxation at home [5]. In addition to rest, physiotherapy and muscle relaxants, it has been shown that computer users’ WRNP significantly improves while receiving these treatments [6]. The purpose of this study was to create and validate an online questionnaire on computer work-related Mental stress and Myalgia. To cover all potential elements in the digital age, identifying risk factors for MSDs among office employees is still crucial. Furthermore, it’s important to identify the link between standing up from a seated position at work and a decreased risk of MSDs [7]. Musculoskeletal complaints in neck and back are very common in computer professionals [8, 9]. In addition to individual characteristics, physical elements, psychological issues, and organisational aspects are also considered. To impact the musculoskeletal health of the workforce [10]. Working at computer stations causes a number of odd behaviours, such as prolonged periods of static posture, repetitive motion, poor posture, inappropriate seating, and sedentary lifestyle [11]. Mediation model predicting that a quantitative multi locus genetic profile score – reflecting the additive effects of alleles known to confer relatively increased dopamine signalling in the ventral striatum would relate positively to a composite measure of addictive behaviours, and that this association would be mediated by personality traits consistently associated with addiction disorders [12]. Digital addiction, or DA for short, has become into a major problem with a range of socioeconomic negative consequences. DA received little acknowledgement or direction regarding how software engineering should take it into account despite its significant value. This stands in stark contrast to other fields associated with conventional addiction (such as drugs, gambling, and alcohol), where there are established guidelines for the production, promotion, and sale of the products [13]. K10 scale has satisfactory psychometric properties for use as a measure of non-specific psychological distress in the military population Sampasa-Kanyinga, et al. [14] The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is one of the most commonly used outcome measures for individuals with low back pain. Psychometric properties of the ODI will determine the questionnaire’s suitability as a useful clinical tool [15]. These Scales are used for survey.

Materials and Methods

100 software professionals were included in a descriptive study that was designed using a online survey by creating google forms. The two-month study took place between April 2022 and September 2022. The study used samples of software professionals with more than two years of experience, people in the 25–40 age range, both sexes, who use desktop computers for work, people who are currently involved in projects, and those who work more than 40 hours on a computer each week.

Results and Discussion

In this Survey Age group mainly participated was 31-45 yrs of 49 percent and Male gender of 73 percent. Hunched C curve seating position 42 % (Tables 1-7; Figures 1 & 2).

FREQUENCIES VARIABLES=AGE, GENDER, NEUTRAL SITTING_POSITION Mental stress, Pain Intensity, Personal Care, Lifting Work, Headache, Concentration Sleeping Driving Reading Recreation.

FrequencyPercent
Valid< 30 YEARS4848
31 - 45 YEARS4949
46 - 60 YEARS33
Total100100

Table 1: Age.

FrequencyPercent
ValidMale7373
Female2727
Total100100

Table 2: Gender.

FrequencyPercent
ValidNeutral Siting Position3434
Excessive Low back arch1313
Hunched C Curve4242
NONE1111
Total100100

Table 3: Neutral Sitting Position.

FrequencyPercent
ValidFoam5151
Spring3030
Latex1919
Total100100
1In the past four weeks, about how often did you feel tired out for no good reason?36
2In the past 4 weeks about how often did you feel nervous?27
3In the past 4 weeks about how often did you feel so nervous that nothing could calm down?25
4In the past 4 weeks about how often did you feel hopeless?27
5In the past 4 weeks about how often did you feel restless or fidgety?26
6In the past 4 weeks about how often did you feel so restless you could not sit still?26
7In the past 4 weeks about how often did you feel depressed?23
8In the past 4 weeks about how often did you feel everything is effort?24
9In the past 4 weeks about how often did you feel so sad that nothing could cheer you up?22
10In the past 4 weeks about how often did you feel worthless?22

Table 4: Bed Matresses.

Figure 1: Mental Health Highest Score.
Click to enlarge
Figure 1: Mental Health Highest Score.
1Pain IntensityI have no pain at the moment.42
2Personal CareI can look after myself normally without causing extra pain.65
3LiftingI can lift heavy weights without causing extra pain.41
4WorkI can do as much work as I want.50
5HeadacheI have moderate headaches that come infrequently.40
6ConcentrationI can concentrate fully with slight difficulty.42
7SleepingI have no trouble sleeping.42
8DrivingI can drive my car without neck pain.42
9ReadingI can read as much as I want with no neck pain.40
10RecreationI have no neck pain during all recreational activities.57

Table 5: Master Chart of Physical Score.

Figure 2: Physical Score Distribution.
Click to enlarge
Figure 2: Physical Score Distribution.
NMinimumMaximumMean
MENTAL_SCORE10005021.34
PHYISCAL_SCORE9204211.1087
Valid N (list wise)92

Table 6: According to the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire. “Mental

Conclusion

The questionnaire to explore Factors affecting WMSD, Pain and area of pain and stage of WMD was developed. The Findings shows that Mild Psychological distress and Minimal disability in software professionals. Psychiatry consultation is to implemented in all software companies in order to reduce psychological stress. Some modification should be maintained in work station in order to prevent recurrence of minimal physical disability

References

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@article{kathirvelraja2022,
  title   = {Prevalence of Mental Stress and Myalgia in Software Professionals},
  author  = {Kathirvelraja MU, Krishnakumari Amma CR, Winston Varghese V, Gopukumar ST and Priyadharshini P},
  journal = {Psychology & Psychological Research International Journal},
  year    = {2022},
  volume  = {7},
  number  = {4},
  doi     = {10.23880/pprij-16000315}
}
Kathirvelraja MU, Krishnakumari Amma CR, Winston Varghese V, Gopukumar ST and Priyadharshini P (2022). Prevalence of Mental Stress and Myalgia in Software Professionals. Psychology & Psychological Research International Journal, 7(4). https://doi.org/10.23880/pprij-16000315
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Prevalence of Mental Stress and Myalgia in Software Professionals
AU  - Kathirvelraja MU, Krishnakumari Amma CR, Winston Varghese V, Gopukumar ST and Priyadharshini P
JO  - Psychology & Psychological Research International Journal
PY  - 2022
VL  - 7
IS  - 4
DO  - 10.23880/pprij-16000315
ER  -