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Abstract Introduction: Use of computers with disregard ergonomics may lead to health problems, long-term discomfort and physical disabilities and lose workdays. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of an ergonomic education to modify of body posture, ergonomic risk factors and musculoskeletal pain severity in computer users. Materials and Methods: In this Quasi-experimental randomized controlled study, computer users were assigned to two groups: case group (n=75) receiving the theory based on intervention by using construct of theory of planned behavior and stage of change, and control group (n =75). Both groups were evaluated at the beginning of the study and 3 and 6 months later. The following tools were used: the Rapid upper limp Assessment (RULA) method to assess upper-extremity work-related posture, self administrated questionnaire that evaluated TPB constructs, stage of change algorithm, ergonomic risk factors checklist, ergo- knowledge quiz and VAS for assessing musculoskeletal pain severity. The intervention included two program elements: staged matched informative brochure and personalized preventive educational counseling. Results: The intervention group had significantly higher scores than controls in ergo-knowledge, attitudes, perceived behavior control, intention, as well as non natural posture maintenance as goal behavior (P<0.05). Also, finding showed the significant diminish in musculoskeletal pain severity (P<0.05). At 3 and 6 months follow up, no significant differences were found between the two groups for subjective norms constructs. Intervention couldn’t improve RULA risk level to low and very low area (1, 2 level) and only decreased risk exposure to medium level. Conclusion: According to the results preventive ergonomic campaigns would be more successful if educational intervention regarded as a part of multifaceted interventions: analysis and elimination of risk factors, engineering controls and administrative controls.

Keywords: Human Engineering, Musculoskeletal Disorder, Posture

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