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| Research article summary (published 13 May 2009): |
Problems experienced by people with arthritis when using a computer.
Full Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of computer use problems experienced by a sample of people with arthritis, and to determine differences in the magnitude of these problems among people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), and fibromyalgia (FM). METHODS: Subjects were recruited from the Arthritis Network Disease Registry and asked to complete a survey, the Computer Problems Survey, which was developed for this study. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the total sample and the 3 diagnostic subgroups. Ordinal regressions were used to determine differences between the diagnostic subgroups with respect to each equipment item while controlling for confounding demographic variables. RESULTS: A total of 359 respondents completed a survey. Of the 315 respondents who reported using a computer, 84% reported a problem with computer use attributed to their underlying disorder, and approximately 77% reported some discomfort related to computer use. Equipment items most likely to account for problems and discomfort were the chair, keyboard, mouse, and monitor. Of the 3 subgroups, significantly more respondents with FM reported more severe discomfort, more problems, and greater limitations related to computer use than those with RA or OA for all 4 equipment items. CONCLUSION: Computer use is significantly affected by arthritis. This could limit the ability of a person with arthritis to participate in work and home activities. Further study is warranted to delineate disease-related limitations and develop interventions to reduce them.
Author information
Author/s: Baker, Nancy A (NA); Rogers, Joan C (JC); Rubinstein, Elaine N (EN); Allaire, Saralynn H (SH); Wasko, Mary Chester (MC);
Affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA. nab36(-atsign-)pitt.edu
Journal and publication information
Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Journal: Arthritis and rheumatism (Arthritis Rheum), published in United States. (Language: eng)
Reference: 2009-May; vol 61 (issue 5) : pp 614-22
Dates: Created 2009/05/13; Completed 2009/06/30;
PMID: 19405002, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 6/30/2009, IMS Date: 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00)
Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.
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