Need assessemet for using an automated mobile based application to prevent postural neck and lower back pain among office worker in Nyarugenge and Kicukiro districts

Abstract

Background: Based on scientific findings, individuals employed in office environments commonly experience occurrences of neck and lower back discomfort. Previous studies have showcased that the utilization of mobile devices for self-monitoring improves the capability of office workers to participate in physical activities. This undertaking seeks to amplify both health and productivity levels among office workers, drawing upon prior research as a foundation. Studies revealed that the rate of participation of office workers in sports activities was decreased as well as physical activity rate in Nyarugenge and Kicukiro districts to be diminished. The aim of this research is to acquire insights into the perspectives of office workers stationed at the Nyarugenge and Kicukiro district headquarters concerning their involvement in sporting activities, it explores their perceived benefits, enablers and hinders regarding participation in using an automated mobile based application to prevent postural neck and lower back pain. Methods: In this study, a cross-sectional qualitative approach was employed to carry out an investigation. The selection of 25 participants was accomplished through purposive and convenient sampling techniques, and within this group, 12 participants were deliberately chosen for the specific focus of this research (6 from each setting); One in-charge of Sports and culture, Human resource, ICT, one representative from finance, health and planning units respectively and other 13 informants from different units. Semi-structured face-to-face individual interviews amongst all 25 informants were utilized. Verbatim transcription and translation to English was used. Later, data was analyzed using thematic content analysis and 2 themes were developed: Perceived Benefits of office workers, and then Barriers all regarding on using an automated App based intervention to prevent neck and lower back pain. Results: In the context of the study, participants have conveyed that they derived advantages from their involvement in sports activities through using an automated App based intervention where they all (n=25) expressed the reduced levels of stress and increased energy to be the most outstanding, as well as preventing them from diseases, and 24out of 25 reported it to be improving their psycho-social wellbeing. They all conveyed the Government support of subscribing them this application in their daily working activities will have a greatest effect to the office workers. However, a number of barriers emerged and included, work overload (n=24 emergencies at work (n=21), Internet (n=25) and personal factors(n=20): Workload, disinterest, to be hindering them to participate in any physical activities. Conclusions: This study examines essential factors, and the findings provide valuable insights into improving participation in workplace physical activities to alleviate neck and lower back pain. Special attention is given to enhancing facilities, devising strategies, and ensuring flexible workloads to enable office workers to take part in the program. The recommendation is for comprehensive research to be undertaken, particularly in less established institutions, concerning the involvement in physical activities within the workstation environment.