Sigitas Griškonis

The Working Environment and Health Of Specialists Working with Computers

The survey on working environment and health of specialists working with computers was accomplished in Lithuania in 2011. In the survey participated 204 specialists working with computers at the offices, at small and medium sized business companies. Chi-square test was used and the significance level p ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study revealed as about one-third (33 %) respondents work with computer all working day, 26% work 4 hours, and 24% work 6 hours per day. Men and women work with computer similar number of hours per day.Most of specialists working with computers (60%) use modern computer chair with modifying elements. Almost one-third (29%) respondents think that their chair is uncomfortable. 24% respondents use the working table with unsuitable high, 31% use the working table with too small area and insufficient space. Only quarter (25%) specialists working with computers work at very good illumination, and 55% - at good illumination. Significantly more men than women use modern computer chair (p=0.035). The computer equipment at men‘s table are located more convenient than at women‘s (p=0.046). Nearly half (43%) workers with computers are disturbed at work by strangers, and 18% - by noise. To concentrate and work for men disturb noise, and for women disturb noise and strangers. Physical discomfort could be reduced by using working chair with castors, working chair with the ability to change the heigth of the chair, and the chair with elbow-rests. Article in Lithuanian doi:10.5200/sm-hs.2012.076

Physical Activity in Preschool Children in Lithuania

The survey on physical activity in preschool children was accomplished in Lithuania. In the survey participated 512 preschool children (urban and rural). Chi-square test was used and the significance level p ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study revealed that 21.7 % preschool children during leisure time are walking outside more than 1 hour per day, and 9.2 % preschool children are walking outside less than 15 minutes per day; no significant differences between boys and girls were observed. The rural preschool children are walking outside significantly longer compared with urban preschool children. Out of school, during leisure time everyday are taking physical exercises or go in for sports 22.5 % preschool children, and never exercise almost the same percent respondents (21.9 %). The survey showed that 36,1 % children exercise 2 and more times per week and 19.5 % preschool children exercise only few times per month. All investigated preschool children take physical exercises or go in for sports with almost the same rate, and there are no significant differences between boys and girls, and between urban and rural preschool children (p>0.05). The study revealed that the more than half of preschool children’s (57%) health is good. Only 1% respondents’ health is bad. The study showed that in Lithuania, preschool children physical activity is low, it is therefore necessary to implement measures for its promotion. Article in Lithuanian doi:10.5200/sm-hs.2012.075

The Physical Activity and Health of Specialists Working with Computers

The survey on physical activity and health of specialists working with computers was accomplished in Lithuania in 2011. In the survey participated 204 specialists working with computers at the offices, at small and medium sized business companies. Chi-square test was used and the significance level p ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study revealed as about one-third (37.3 %) specialists working with computers everyday feel tired after work, and one-third (34.3 %) after work feel tired 2 - 3 times per week. About half (52%) of specialists working with computers 5-10 hours per day work in sitting position, 35 % work in sitting position 1-5 hours per day, and 11 % work in sitting position more than 10 hours per day. No significant differences between men and women were observed. A half (51%) of specialists working with computers stated as their physical health is good, 34 % - as medium, 11% - as very good. More men than women stated as they have good health (p=0.027). One-third (33%) of specialists working with computers have health problems. Men less than women complain on health problems (p=0.003). The physical activity of working with computers is too low. Both men and women need more attention to the physical activities. The quarter (24%) respondents are taking exercise or go in for sport at least 30 min. per day once per week, 22 % -2-3 per week, 22% -2-3 times per month, 20 % - few times per year or less. Every day at least 0.5 hour per day for physical activity use only 12% respondents. About half of working with computers (58%) agrees, as they should be more physical active. One-third (33%) think, as they have enough knowledge on importance of physical activity to the health, one-third (31%) think as they do not have enough knowledge. When working with computers mostly suffer back, shoulders and neck of the body. Little less, suffer sciatic and lumbar part of the body. Article in Lithuanian doi:10.5200/sm-hs.2012.077