The ergonomic evaluation of laptop use in university students: the development and test-retest reliability of the student laptop use and musculoskeletal posture questionnaire

Abstract

Laptop computer use is associated with health problems such as musculoskeletal pain. Few methods exist to measure ergonomic exposures to laptop use. My thesis aimed to develop and evaluate the test-retest reliability of the Student Laptop Use and Musculoskeletal Posture (SLUMP) questionnaire in undergraduate students. The questionnaire measures laptop use duration and postures for recreational, academic and employment purposes, breaks, and use of external accessories. A pilot study demonstrated that the questionnaire was acceptable for students. 179 undergraduate students were invited to complete the questionnaire twice within a seven-day interval. Weighted kappa statistics were computed to describe the reliability. 86.0% of eligible students agreed to participate and 59.1% completed both questionnaires. The reliability of 72.5% of questions was Kw ≥0.60 and 29.4% of questions was Kw ≥0.80. The SLUMP questionnaire offers a promising method to measure ergonomic exposures to laptops in university students but requires revisions to improve its reliability.