Technological-educational factors associated with physio-ergonomic problems in medical students

Mejia C.R.; Miñan-Tapia A.; Arce-Villalobos L.R.; Cuevas-Zapata L.M.; Nina-Tancara F.; Aranguren J.M.; Rodriguez-Parra M.; Valle-Bracamontes I.; Hernández-Yépez P.J.; Valladares-Garrido D.; Pereira-Victorio C.J.; Valladares-Garrido M.J. · Revista Cubana de Medicina Militar (2023)

Resumen

Introduction: There is evidence on the negative effect of the use of information and communication technologies on students, however, little is known about physio-ergonomic problems secondary to their use. Objective: To identify the technological-educational factors associated with the report of 4 physio-ergonomic problems in medical students. Methods: Cross-sectional study in medical students from 11 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. A questionnaire was used whose variables were socio-educational and technological characteristics, as well as physio-ergonomic problems (neck pain, back pain, dry/red eye and headache). Results: Of 11 587 students, 14.5% reported presenting 4 physio-ergonomic problems. Most reported neck pain (50%), back pain (50.5%), and headache (53.7%). Women (PR= 1.06), who studied a previous degree (PR= 1.19), who belonged to all years of studies (PR= 1.12-1.20), who had greater use of the Internet, had a higher frequency (in hours) of presenting these physio-ergonomic problems (PR= 1.01) and those who accessed Twitter during school hours (PR= 1.30). They decreased the frequency of presenting these problems, being younger in years (PR= 0.99), coming from a private university (PR= 0.81), and who belonged to any extracurricular group (PR= 0.67-0.93). Conclusions: The technological-educational factors associated with the report of 4 physio-ergonomic problems in medical students were being a woman, having a previous degree, belonging to all the years of study, hours of Internet use and access to Twitter during classes.

Instituciones: Universidad de San Martín de Porres; Universidad Privada de Tacna; Universidad Continental; Universidad de Huánuco; Universidad César Vallejo