PREDICTING FACTORS OF PREVENTIVE BEHAVIORS FOR COMPUTER SYNDROME AMONG COMPUTER USERS IN WORKING: ONE OF SOUTHERN PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION

Abstract

     This research aimed to determine risk factors in preventive behaviors for computer syndrome among computer users primarily for work. The samples were 140 staff of one provincial administrative organization in southern Thailand which selected by simple sampling without replacement. The questionnaires were used as research instruments including predisposing factors, enabling factors, reinforcing factors and preventive behaviors for computer syndrome. The data was validated by a panel of 3 experts. The yielding value of CVI above .80. KR-20 was used to analyze reliability of knowledge questionnaire, appropriate device support and organization policy for preventing computer syndrome, yielding value of .61, .56, and .55 respectively. Cronbach’s alpha Coefficient was used to test for questionnaire reliability of attitude toward safety of computer operation, social support, and preventive behaviors for computer syndrome, yielding value of .80, .78, and .88 respectively. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression.

            Predisposing factors including duration of daily computer operation, duration of weekly computer operation, enabling factors including appropriate device support and reinforcing factors including compliment and reminder from superiors/co-workers could significantly predict preventive behaviors for computer syndrome. The findings indicate that organization must provide appropriate device support for computer users in working, set duration of both daily and weekly computer operation as well as encourage superiors or co-workers to give a compliment or reminder to staff for better predict preventive behaviors for computer syndrome.