Know and understand the causes of these health issues and strategies for preventing them

Topic 5 – The Effects of Using IT

Objective

Know and understand the causes of health issues associated with the use of information technology and the strategies for preventing them (Cambridge IGCSE ICT 5.2).

1. Health Issues Linked to IT Use (core)

For each issue a short scientific rationale is given – this is the “why” that the syllabus expects you to be able to explain (AO1).

• Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) – eye‑strain, dryness, blurred vision. Rationale: prolonged near‑focus reduces blink rate and forces the ciliary muscles to maintain accommodation, leading to fatigue.
• Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) – pain in the back, neck, shoulders and lower limbs. Rationale: static sitting with poor spinal alignment overloads lumbar discs and cervical muscles.
• Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) – discomfort in wrists, hands and forearms. Rationale: repetitive finger and wrist motions cause micro‑tears in tendons and reduced blood flow.
• Headaches & Migraines – often triggered by glare, eye‑strain or stress.
• Stress & Mental Fatigue – result of long screen sessions, multitasking and inadequate breaks.
• Obesity (Sedentary Lifestyle) – insufficient physical activity while using IT devices.
• Hearing Loss – caused by prolonged exposure to high‑volume audio.

2. Primary Causes – Cause‑Effect Links (core)

3. Prevention Strategies (core + extension)

3.1 General Preventive Measures (core)

• 20‑20‑20 rule – every 20 minutes look at an object ≥ 20 feet (≈ 6 m) away for at least 20 seconds. AO2 / AO3
• Micro‑break routine – 1–2 minutes of gentle stretching every 30–45 minutes. AO2
• Maintain adequate hydration and blink deliberately every few seconds. AO1
• Limit headphone volume to ≤ 60 % of maximum; use noise‑cancelling headphones to avoid raising the volume. AO1 / AO2
• Incorporate short physical‑activity breaks (standing, walking, simple stretches) at least every hour. AO2

3.2 Ergonomic Workstation Setup (core)

1. Monitor
   • Top of screen at eye level; distance 50–70 cm (20–28 in) from eyes.
   • Adjust brightness/contrast; use an anti‑glare filter if needed.
   • Position to avoid reflections from windows or lights.
2. Keyboard & Mouse
   • Elbows close to the body, forearms parallel to the floor, wrists straight.
   • Prefer ergonomic keyboards/mice or alternative input devices (e.g., speech‑to‑text, graphics tablet).
   • Use a wrist rest only if it keeps the wrist in a neutral position.
3. Chair & Desk
   • Chair height adjustable so feet rest flat on the floor (or on a footrest).
   • Seat depth leaves 2–3 cm between the back of the knees and the seat edge.
   • Lumbar support that follows the natural curve of the lower back.
   • Desk height that keeps forearms at ~90° when typing.
4. Lighting
   • Ambient illumination 300–500 lux; avoid bright light directly behind the screen.
   • Use blinds/curtains to control daylight glare; add task lighting if needed.

3.3 E‑Safety Measures that Directly Affect Health (core)

• Set device‑level screen‑time limits (especially for younger users) to reduce prolonged exposure.
• Use “Do Not Disturb” or focus‑mode settings to minimise multitasking‑related stress.
• Store headphones safely and avoid sharing them in public places to prevent both hearing damage and infection.
• Educate learners about safe volume levels and the 60‑percent rule – a practical e‑safety guideline linked to health.

3.4 Issue‑Specific Strategies (core + extension)

4. Summary Table (core)

5. Suggested Diagram

6. Links to Other Syllabus Sections (core)

While focusing on health, remember that ICT work also involves:

• Section 8 – Safety & Security: e‑safety measures (screen‑time limits, safe headphone use) protect both physical and digital wellbeing.
• Section 10 – Communication: collaborative online work should include guidelines for regular breaks and ergonomic checks.
• Section 3 – Data Management: using cloud‑based document storage reduces the need for heavy hardware, indirectly supporting a less cluttered, more ergonomic workspace.

7. Review Questions (AO‑aligned)

1. Explain how poor posture can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, citing at least two specific body regions. (AO1, AO3)
2. Describe the 20‑20‑20 rule, including the recommended viewing distance, and explain why it is more effective than a simple short break. (AO1, AO2)
3. List three ergonomic adjustments that reduce the risk of Repetitive Strain Injury and indicate which assessment objectives they address. (AO1‑AO3)
4. Why is it important to limit headphone volume, and what is a safe listening level according to the HSE guidelines? (AO1, AO2)
5. Outline a daily routine for a student who spends 6 hours a day on a computer, incorporating micro‑breaks, physical‑activity breaks, and ergonomic checks. (AO2, AO3)

8. Quick Checklist for Syllabus Alignment (teacher use)

Sources: UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – “Workplace ergonomics” guidelines; BIFMA ergonomic standards; WHO – “Occupational health: Vision and hearing”.