Print Email Facebook Twitter Validity of two methods to assess computer use: Self-report by questionnaire and computer use software Title Validity of two methods to assess computer use: Self-report by questionnaire and computer use software Author Douwes, M. de Kraker, H. Blatter, B.M. TNO Kwaliteit van Leven Publication year 2007 Abstract A long duration of computer use is known to be positively associated with Work Related Upper Extremity Disorders (WRUED). Self-report by questionnaire is commonly used to assess a worker's duration of computer use. The aim of the present study was to assess the validity of self-report and computer use software (WorkPace®) to assess the duration of computer use in a heterogeneous office population and for different job types. Ninety-nine bank employees with various job titles participated in the study. The duration of computer use was assessed simultaneously by self-report (questionnaire), WorkPace® and direct observation. Observation was regarded as the golden standard. On average, self-reports overestimated the observed duration of computer use with 39%. This overestimation was reduced to 9% when using WorkPace®. Viewing times (time viewing the screen without touching mouse or keyboard) differed between computer jobs. It was concluded that computer use statistics yield rather accurate estimations of duration of computer use, whereas self-reports do not. These estimations can be further improved by using specific viewing time estimations for different computer jobs. Relevance to industry: To develop guidelines for safe duration of computer use and to assess high-risk groups, valid but simple exposure assessment methods are needed. Computer use software proves to be more valid than self-reports by questionnaire that are commonly used. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Subject WorkplaceVeilig en Gezond WerkenComputer use durationExposure assessmentSelf-reportValidityWorkPace®Computer keyboardsComputer softwareStatistical methodsComputer use durationExposure assessmentHuman computer interactionAdultArm diseaseComputerComputer programControlled studyFemaleHumanMaleMethodologyOccupational diseaseOccupational exposureOccupational hazardOperatorQuestionnaire To reference this document use: http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:f2a66283-37c2-48f6-823d-d64e02470ad1 DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2007.01.002 TNO identifier 239953 ISSN 0169-8141 Source International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 37 (5), 425-431 Document type article Files To receive the publication files, please send an e-mail request to TNO Library.