Assessment of individual risk factors and health effects of computer use amongst bankers in Nairobi County Kenya

The banking sector has shown tremendous growth over the last decade. Matching this growth has been the increase in computer use, as most financial institutions have adopted digital banking at various levels of their operations. However, the use of computers has also been linked to adverse health effects in workers. Some of the documented health issues caused by computers include visual disorders and Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study aimed to assess the occupational risk factors and health effects of computer use amongst bankers in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study used Proportionate random sampling. The 17 sub-counties in Nairobi County acted as strata. Structured questionnaires, observation checklists, and actual measurements were used to obtain data on the various risk factors and health effects. Data was then analyzed using SPSS so ware Version 25. Descriptive statistics were presented in the form of frequencies, tables, charts, and graphs. Inferential statistics was used to show the association between the independent and dependent variables. Results indicated that there was a relationship between individual risk factors in influencing health outcomes of bank employees who use computers extensively. Body mass index, length of computer usage, frequency of breaks, and ergonomic factors such as the distance from the user to the computer were significantly linked to the emergence of negative health effects. Results also showed that majority of employees (44.6%) fell within the normal weight range. However, a significant number of employees were considered overweight (38%) and obese (10.8%). From the study, eye-related health effects were influenced by factors such as break frequency, distance from the screen, and screen brightness, in the proportion of 24%, 25% and 47% respectively, underscoring the importance of personalized interventions to mi gate eye strain disorders. The study recommends that it is imperative for banking institutions to implement tailored ergonomic guidelines and encourage compliance with suggested rest periods in order to protect employees from visual and musculoskeletal health effects of computer use.