International Journal of Education and Development using ICT

International Journal of Education and Development using ICT > Vol. 14, No. 3 (2018)

Academic Safety and Health (ASH) requirements for ICT usage by PhD students in developing countries: A case of University of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and Makerere University (Uganda)

Juma James Masele, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Sumaya M. Kagoya , Makerere University Business School, Uganda

Abstract
The socio-economic effects of poor safety and health computer working environment are enormous to not only users but also their enterprises at large. This study examined universities’ devotion towards safety and health requirements in computers usage by PhD students, using a case of University of Dar es Salaam and Makerere University. Responses from 221 respondents were analyzed using regression analysis. Observation to rooms and facilities used, supplemented the information. The study found that although the universities had tried to improvise rooms with chairs and tables for the PhD works, little attention to ergonomics was paid. Reported risks and snags encountered include eye strains, sight fatigue, headaches, tension stress, limbs disorders including disk degenerative disorders. The study proposed for the Universities to abide on provision of ergonomic obligatory environment possible including orientation of users to computer ergonomic principles, measures that are hoped to minimize computer usage related disorders. Policy makers and legislators are urged to come up with policies, laws and regulations to reinforce the intended behaviors and deeds. Importantly is also to individual PhD students to take active measures to ensure for sustainably safe and ill-health free computer related environment, despite the working environment they are exposed to.

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