Job specifics of IT specialists and approaches to disease prevention

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Introduction

In accordance with Presidential Decree of the Russian Federation No. 203 of May 9, 2017, the national program “Digital Economy of the Russian Federation” for 2017–2030 was adopted.¹ It aims to achieve digital transformation and accelerated implementation of digital technologies in the economy and social sphere. In this context, particular attention should be paid to the work of information and communication technologies (ICT) specialists. According to the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE University), information technology specialists account for 2.5% of the total workforce in the Russian Federation [1], which is consistent with global trends. Moreover, the contribution of the ICT sector to the Russian economy demonstrates stable growth; between 2019 and 2023, its share in the national gross domestic product increased by 1.5-fold. According to the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media of the Russian Federation, there is a shortage of approximately 700 thousand ICT specialists, and further workforce expansion is expected.²

According to HSE University, workers aged 18–40 years account for 75.8% of all IT specialists [1]. This is associated with early career entry and the outflow of older age groups from this sector, often due to inability to cope with high workloads. A social survey by Moi Krug, a career service for IT specialists, demonstrated that the highest proportion of individuals changing their professional field were in the 36–40 age group (24%).³ These indicators are consistent with data from the Federal State Statistics Service of Russia on the distribution of workers by age group; only 24.2% of IT specialists belong to the older age category (≥40 years), whereas this proportion reaches 44.9% among the employed population overall [2].

The ICT sector has undergone substantial transformation since its inception. New technical equipment has been introduced, the range of specializations has expanded, and work organization has changed. In the early stages, information display devices were visual display terminals (VDTs) based on cathode-ray tube technology; at present, the most widespread type is the liquid crystal display, which operates on the polarization properties of crystalline molecules to form a visible image [3]. Moreover, the spectrum of specializations within this field has expanded. In 1988, three primary occupational groups were identified, namely, computer programmers, electronic computer operators, and engineering–technical personnel;⁴ the current generation of IT specialists, however, includes diverse professional categories such as ICT managers, software developers and analysts, database and network specialists, electronics engineers, telecommunications engineers, designers, ICT sales specialists, technicians, and skilled workers [1].

Furthermore, changes within the ICT sector have shifted occupational risks, necessitating a specific approach to their assessment and the development of prevention measures. The industry is characterized by the fastest pace of technological adoption compared with all other economic sectors, irregular work schedules, and high job demands [4, 5] and demonstrates low levels of occupational risks associated with physical workplace factors [1, 6]. Notably, despite the crucial role of the ICT sector for socioeconomic development, IT specialists are excluded from regulatory oversight: workplace environment and labor process factors are not identified within mandatory workplace conditions assessment, and mandatory medical examinations are not conducted.^5,6 Therefore, the need to conduct in-depth investigations of working conditions and assess occupational risks specific to modern IT specialists becomes increasingly relevant.

In this work, we systematized and analyzed publications on job characteristics and working conditions of ICT specialists in a historical perspective to identify current problems and approaches to health prevention.

This study included scientific publications addressing occupational conditions, job specifics, and health status of IT workers published between 1972 and 2024. Scientific data search was conducted in PubMed using MeSH terms and in eLIBRARY.RU using keywords. The keywords and MeSH terms were related to work with computers, information systems, occupational risk factors, and work-related health outcomes (Fig. 1).

 

Fig. 1. Publication search and selection for analysis. VDT, visual display terminal.

 

In total, 3647 publications were identified at stage 1 based on MeSH terms (PubMed) and keywords (eLIBRARY.RU). Subsequently, publications were screened for relevance to the purpose of this review. The inclusion criterion was enrollment of populations whose primary work activity was computer-based. Finally, 1303 publications were selected. The sources selected at stage 2 were systematized in two directions. The following disorder groups were identified based on the types of body system impairments reported in the publications:

1. Musculoskeletal;
2. Visual system;
3. Reproductive health;
4. Nervous system and mental health in computer users (Fig. 2).

 

Fig. 2. Systematizing publications by types of organ system disorders in IT specialists.

 

In accordance with the work system model developed by Smith and Carayon [5], publications were grouped as follows:

1. The worker, including physical, cognitive, and psychological characteristics;
2. Job content and work tasks;
3. Ttools and technologies used to perform work tasks;
4. Work organization (work schedule, management style, and organizational structure);
5. Work environment (workplace ergonomics, lighting conditions, noise, etc.) (Fig. 3).

 

Fig. 3. Systematizing publications by work system components (Smith and Carayon).

 

From each group, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case–control studies, and the most relevant cross-sectional studies were selected for analysis, totaling 86 publications.

The earliest publications included in the review were released in 1972, after which there was a steady annual increase in the number of studies (Fig. 4), indicating the increasing relevance of studying the current job characteristics of IT workers. Most frequently, studies addressed the impact of computer work on the visual system. Moreover, evaluation of effects on the musculoskeletal system has remained a consistent research focus. Over the past decade, a marked increase in publications dedicated to nervous system and mental health disorders has been observed: these account for 40% of all publications from 1972 to 2024, with a steep increase noted between 2014 and 2024. This shows the increasing importance of these aspects, as a previous study demonstrated that physical factors (electromagnetic radiation, noise, and microclimate parameters) are generally below regulatory thresholds, whereas the main adverse factors are primarily related to work content, cognitive demands and other work stressors, the design of digital products ensuring usability and alignment with users’ psychophysiological capabilities, workplace ergonomics, and lighting conditions [4, 7].

 

Fig. 4. Distribution of publications by types of organ system disorders in IT specialists.

 

Impact on the Visual System

A major characteristic of work involving the use of VDTs is prolonged visual attention to display objects with sustained near-focus fixation and increased load on the extraocular muscles [8]. Early studies on the visual effects of computer work focused on subjective ocular symptoms and on the changes in the visual system’s functional parameters. Several studies on asthenopia were analyzed in a meta-analysis by Wang and Cui, demonstrating that significant asthenopic symptoms among IT workers included eye fatigue, eye pain, tearing, blurred vision, and dry eye [8].

In subsequent years, research focused on the possibility of developing persistent ocular disorders such as cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors including myopia and presbyopia. Early concerns regarding the potential exposure to X-ray radiation from cathode-ray tube visual display terminals, which was later not confirmed [9], raised questions about the possible risk of cataract development [10, 11]. However, a cross-sectional study conducted by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) among 281 workers identified no association between cataracts and VDT use; minor lens opacities were found without visual acuity impairment, and their prevalence did not differ between users of the VDT group (27.1%) and control group (33.2%) [12]. Case reports revealed that workers had cataract-related symptoms even before beginning VDT-related work [9].

The association between VDT work and the development of myopia and presbyopia has not been proved. In prospective studies conducted by an Italian research group with follow-up durations of ≥5 years, no relationship was found between refractive errors and VDT work, regardless of baseline refractive status [13]; the development of presbyopia was age-related rather than computer-related [14]. Additionally, a meta-analysis did not show a significant risk of myopia among VDT users [8].

Studies on the association between glaucoma and VDT use yielded inconsistent findings. In a cross-sectional glaucoma study among VDT users, randomly selected individuals were divided into groups according to intensity of VDT use and were screened for abnormalities [15]. After adjustment for other factors, a significant association with glaucoma was found only in active VDT users who also had refractive errors. In a retrospective cohort study by the same research group, a higher risk of glaucoma was observed among individuals using VDTs for >8 hours per day compared to those using VDTs ≤4 hours per day; this risk was further amplified in the presence of refractive errors [16].

An insufficiently investigated impairment involves extraocular muscle tone alterations. One-week studies demonstrated only transient changes in the ocular muscle apparatus after VDT work over the course of a workday and workweek [17, 18]; no longer-duration studies of vergence disorders were identified. Notably, changes in extraocular muscle tone may be associated with increased intraocular pressure; therefore, long-term monitoring of this impairment among VDT users remains relevant.

Recent research related to the visual system has predominantly focused on dry eye disease and its prevention. A meta-analysis of 48 studies examined the association of 36 risk factors with dry eye disease and revealed that occupational VDT use is one of the significant risk factors, along with sex (female), older age, ocular diseases, depression, and other chronic conditions [19]. This is due to prolonged screen viewing, which leads to decreased blink rate and increased proportion of incomplete blinks, a risk factor for ocular surface damage [20].

Impact on the Musculoskeletal System

Musculoskeletal disorders are considered one of the most significant health conditions among IT workers. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in this occupational group ranges from 22% to 89% [21]. Large prospective cohort studies (a Danish cohort [22], the Dutch NUDATA project [23–26], and a Swedish cohort study [27]) revealed that computer work was associated with wrist pain [22–24], paresthesia and hand pain [23, 27], forearm pain [25], elbow pain [23], shoulder pain [26], neck pain [22], and neck strain syndrome [26]. A meta-analysis by Shiri and Falah-Hassani including 10,166 participants [28] showed an association between computer work and carpal tunnel syndrome only in studies comparing users with different durations of work experience (daily hours worked). No significant association with carpal tunnel syndrome was identified when comparing computer users to the general population or with workers in other high-risk occupations. These results indicate that it is not the VDT work that confers risk, but the length and duration of employment. Additionally, in a cross-sectional study, Zaitsu et al. determined an association between VDT use and temporomandibular joint disorders [29].

In recent years (starting from 2013), the number of studies on musculoskeletal disorders has markedly decreased, accounting for no more than 15% of annual publications across all thematic areas. This may be associated with a shift in research focus toward other aspects of IT workers’ health, particularly mental health. Over the last decade, publications in this domain have primarily addressed preventive programs aimed at decreasing musculoskeletal impact (ergonomic improvements [30], employee training [31], and work organization modifications [32]). However, according to a Cochrane review [33], evidence regarding the effectiveness of such interventions remains insufficient. The interventional studies described in the scientific data were mainly short- and medium-term (up to 1 year), performed on small cohorts, and had methodological limitations. Further studies, including randomized clinical trials, are required to justify the most effective approaches that provide a long-term effect (>1 year).

Impact on the Reproductive System

In the late 1970s, clusters of spontaneous abortions were reported among pregnant women working with VDTs in the United States and Canada, as well as clusters of congenital anomalies in their children [34]. Such cases most frequently occurred in organizations where computer technologies were being actively introduced (e.g., newspaper editorial offices). This prompted research into the association between VDT work and adverse pregnancy outcomes and congenital anomalies such as spontaneous abortion and preterm birth [35–38], congenital malformations [35, 37], low birth weight [35], and fetal death [35, 36]. A meta-analysis by Parazzini et al. combined the results of nine case–control studies comprising 61,414 participants [35]. According to its findings, no significant differences in the incidence of spontaneous abortion or low birth weight were observed among mothers working with VDTs. Moreover, a large Canadian cohort study by McDonald et al., which was included in the meta-analysis by Parazzini, examined whether VDT work was associated with fetal death, congenital anomalies, or preterm birth and also found no increased risk among VDT workers [36]. Furthermore, a retrospective NIOSH case–control study showed no association after stratification by weekly exposure time; even >25 h/week of VDT work did not increase the risk of spontaneous abortion [39]. Despite the absence of a general association with computer work, the study by Lindbohm et al. [40] demonstrated a higher risk of spontaneous abortion among workers exposed to intense extremely low-frequency (ELF) magnetic fields (>0.9 μT) from VDTs than among those exposed to low-strength ELF magnetic fields (<0.4 μT); however, according to a review by Delpizzo, ELF magnetic field exposure levels at VDT workstations are not substantially higher than that in other occupational and residential environments [41].

Further analysis of earlier publications revealed that their findings were largely driven by methodological bias, such as reliance on subjective assessment methods (e.g., interviews), which resulted in overestimation of VDT exposure duration and frequency among women with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Moreover, in several studies included in a meta-analysis by Parazzini et al. [42–44], after adjustment for work-related stress and smoking, the risk of spontaneous abortion did not differ between VDT users and non-users, indicating that it is occupational stress that plays the predominant role rather than VDT exposure alone.

In recent years, publications addressing reproductive health among VDT workers have become scarce, although some studies have reported potential associations between VDT work and decreased fertility in women, including decreased endometrial thickness [45] and increased risk of endometriosis and infertility due to cervical factor [46]. In men, reported abnormalities involved altered semen volume [47]. Additional studies are required to elucidate these associations and assess the impact of computer-based working conditions on reproductive health.

Impact on the Nervous System and Mental Health

A significant feature of IT work processes is the presence of psychoemotional workload and the associated risk of neurological and psychological disorders among employees. Despite a long history of research, this issue remains unresolved and controversial owing to the lack of high-quality evidence. Prospective cohort studies are scarce, indicating the need for longitudinal research aimed at investigating neurological and psychological disturbances in IT workers.

Early studies have identified threshold values of weekly VDT exposure associated with the development of depressive symptoms [48–50], which amounted to 61.3 ± 19.3 hours of computer use per week. However, according to UK Biobank data, an increased risk of depression among IT workers has not been confirmed [51]. Nevertheless, high prevalence rates of irritability, nervousness, anxiety, and aggressiveness have been reported among IT professionals [52, 53], as well as an increased risk of subjective discomfort, with thresholds >5 h/day and >3 hours per continuous work session [54–56].

Among neurological disorders in IT workers with statistically confirmed increased risk, autonomic dysfunction and headaches are particularly noteworthy. VDT use has been shown to increase the risk of autonomic dysfunction overall and across individual symptom complexes, with risk increasing with longer work duration [57]. Several subsequent studies have confirmed a correlation between headaches and the duration of computer use [58, 59].

Sleep quality changes are another common issue observed among IT workers. Cross-sectional studies indicated associations between VDT work exceeding 5–6 hours and sleep disturbances such as early awakening, difficulty initiating sleep, and restless sleep [56, 60–62]. However, a prospective cohort study did not confirm these associations for any sleep disturbance type [49]. Moreover, despite the increased prevalence of sleep disturbances based on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, no significant differences were found between IT workers and controls [63].

Studies on emotional burnout among IT workers have become increasingly common. Although burnout is considered characteristic of human-to-human professions, recent studies have shown that emotional burnout is also widespread among IT specialists representing the human–technology type [64], which may be due to increasing emotional and cognitive demands placed on this occupational group. Notably, the highest prevalence of the exhaustion phase is observed in individuals aged 38–42 years, with a marked decrease in older age groups, which may reflect a healthy worker effect due to occupational withdrawal of employees with emotional burnout from the ICT sector.

A crucial aspect is the expanding spectrum of IT specialties. Different specialists perform different work tasks, which may contribute to heterogeneity in psychological disturbances among subgroups of IT professionals. A significant difference was found between the product developers and the control group regarding their scores on a scale assessing hysterical responses, with a shift toward more pathological manifestations [63].

Although IT workers report relatively few physical complaints, they exhibit a high prevalence of complaints related to the nervous system and mental health. However, findings remain inconsistent across many outcomes, indicating the need for further research.

Assessment of the Impact of Work System Elements

The approach proposed by Smith and Carayon [5], which delineates five groups of work system elements, was applied to determine current issues related to job content and working conditions among IT specialists.

The work environment is a critical element of the work system and includes workplace ergonomics, lighting conditions, and microclimate parameters. Poor ergonomic design and the resulting non-neutral working posture are associated with musculoskeletal disorders and visual discomfort [65–69]. Workplace microclimate studies have revealed an association between high air flow rates and air conditioning and the development of dry eye syndrome [69]. Lighting parameters that influence ocular symptoms and musculoskeletal discomfort include illuminance, brightness, luminance contrast within the field of view, light direction, glare, and color temperature of the light source [70, 71]. The work environment is the most extensively studied element of the work system, and studies over the last decade have been focused primarily on identifying the most effective approaches to improving workplace ergonomics and lighting conditions [72, 73].

Over the years, VDT work has raised concerns owing to factors associated with the technical characteristics of monitors, primarily the potential impact of electromagnetic emissions from these devices. Studies on electromagnetic emissions from VDTs demonstrated that they generate electromagnetic fields in the ranges of 5–2000 Hz and 2–400 kHz, but the levels do not exceed threshold limits [74, 75], and no associations with adverse health outcomes in workers have been identified [76].

Work organization among IT specialists is characterized by limited time for task completion (short deadlines) and a high frequency of overtime; on average, they worked 50 hours per week, with an additional 6 hours during weekends, and continued working even when ill [77, 78]. Lack of scheduled breaks, overtime work, night shifts, and immersion in the work context during off-hours contribute to musculoskeletal disorders, cognitive impairment, poor sleep quality, depression, and excessive alcohol consumption among IT workers [21, 55, 65, 79–82]. Psychosocial factors such as high job demands, low job control, and insufficient social support are also associated with musculoskeletal disorders and poor sleep quality [21, 24, 68, 83].

In contrast to the described elements, work content is the least studied factor of the work process. Work content in ICT is associated with daily processing of large volumes of information and considerable cognitive load [84]. Work tasks that increase cognitive load among IT professionals include implementing algorithms as program code, debugging codes, and writing codes using new programming tools [6]. For some specializations, these tasks constitute the main type of work activity in the long term without task variation. The work operations of IT specialists are associated with increased cognitive load, the level of which depends on code structure complexity, the programming language used, and employed tools. Despite the obvious presence of significant cognitive load among IT workers, its assessment remains unresolved; while objective assessment tools exist for other occupational risk factors, standardized methods for cognitive load measurement have not yet been developed [84–87].

Worker characteristics, including their physical and psychological profiles, constitute the fifth element of the work system among IT specialists and may also be associated with increased risk of health disorders. Among physiological characteristics, sex [24, 69, 88], age [69], and health status [69, 89] are relevant. Higher risk of disorders has been observed among women, workers aged over 35 years, individuals with refractive errors, and those using corrective lenses. Harmful habits, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, are also considered factors that increase the risk of disorders among IT workers and are associated with a higher risk of musculoskeletal and visual disorders [21, 24, 90, 91].

Thus, analysis of scientific data demonstrated that the health and working conditions of IT specialists depend on various factors, including ergonomic and lighting parameters of the work environment, psychosocial conditions, cognitive workload, and individual worker characteristics. Despite substantial progress in studying these aspects, issues regarding the assessment of cognitive workload and the identification of the most effective prevention approaches remain.

Conclusion

Digital transformation and the accelerated integration of digital technologies into the economy and social sphere require close attention to the health and functional status of ICT specialists. High cognitive workload, pronounced occupational stress, burnout, and ergonomic problems may contribute to early withdrawal from the profession (after 40 years of age) and increase the risk of disorders of the nervous system, mental health problems, and visual and musculoskeletal conditions.

Future research should focus on the prevalence of functional impairments and behavioral responses and on their changes and outcomes. Moreover, it is critical to stratify findings by specific ICT professions, given the substantial expansion of specialization and the rapid growth of young personnel in this sector. This warrants a more detailed investigation of the factors of working conditions across different categories of IT specialists. In addition, the regulatory framework governing medical and hygienic oversight of IT specialists should be revised, including the methodologies used for working conditions risk assessment. Finally, corporate programs in IT companies should rely on evidence-based strategies. It is crucial to develop a guidance framework on principles of planning, organization, and implementation of health preservation programs in the ICT sector. A systematic approach to protecting the health of IT specialists, grounded in scientific evidence and current best practices, will improve professional longevity and quality of life amid rapid technological development.

Additional information

Author contributions: F.L.M.: supervision, writing—review & editing; M.A.R.: investigation, writing—original draft; A.N.Kh.: conceptualization. All authors approved the version of the manuscript to be published and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work, ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Ethics approval: The study was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of Kazan State Medical University (Minutes No. 03 of June 18, 2024).

Funding sources: This study was funded by the grant of Kazan State Medical University, and Priority-2030 Government program.

Disclosure of interests: The authors have no relationships, activities, or interests for the last three years related to for-profit or not-for-profit third parties whose interests may be affected by the content of the article.

Statement of originality: No previously published material (text, images, or data) was used in this work.

Data availability statement: Data are not available, as this is a descriptive review.

Generative AI: No generative artificial intelligence technologies were used to prepare this article.

Provenance and peer review: This paper was submitted unsolicited. The peer review process involved three external reviewers, a member of the editorial board, and the in-house science editor.

 

¹ Order of the Government of the Russian Federation “Approval of the Program ‘Digital Economy of the Russian Federation’” dated July 28, 2017 No. 1632-r. Available at: https://ohranatruda.ru/upload/medialibrary/c40/Programma-tsifrovoy-ekonomiki-v-RF.pdf. Accessed on: March 3, 2025.

² Interfax [Internet]. Shadayev estimated the shortage of IT specialists in Russia at 500–700 thousand. Available at: https://www.interfax.ru/russia/916552. Accessed on: March 3, 2025.

³ Habr [Internet]. Professional burnout in IT (results of the Moi Krug survey). Available at: https://habr.com/ru/companies/habr_career/articles/437264/. Accessed on: March 3, 2025.

⁴ Temporary sanitary norms and regulations for workers of computer centers. Order of the Ministry of Health of the USSR dated March 2, 1988 No. 4559-88. Available at: https://normativ.kontur.ru/document?moduleId=1&documentId=15941. Accessed on: March 3, 2025.

⁵ Order of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation “On approval of the Methodology for conducting special assessment of working conditions, the Classifier of harmful and (or) hazardous occupational factors, the reporting form on conducting special assessment of working conditions, and instructions for completing it” dated November 21, 2023 No. 817n. Available at: https://normativ.kontur.ru/document?moduleId=1&documentId=461108. Accessed on: March 3, 2025.

⁶ Order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation “On approval of the procedure for mandatory preliminary and periodic medical examinations of employees specified in Part Four of Article 213 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, the list of medical contraindications for activities involving harmful and (or) hazardous occupational factors, as well as activities requiring mandatory preliminary and periodic medical examinations” dated January 28, 2021 No. 29n. Available at: https://normativ.kontur.ru/document?moduleId=1&documentId=481586. Accessed on: March 3, 2025.

About the authors

Liliya M. Fatkhutdinova

Kazan State Medical University

Email: liliya.fatkhutdinova@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-9506-563X
SPIN-code: 9605-8332

MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), Professor, Head, Depart. of Hygiene and Occupational Medicine

Russian Federation, Kazan

Adelya R. Mukhutdinova

Kazan State Medical University

Author for correspondence.
Email: adelya.gigienist@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0002-5705-2007
SPIN-code: 8700-9716

postgraduate student, Assistant  Lecturer, Depart. of Hygiene and Occupational Medicine

Russian Federation, Kazan

Nail K. Amirov

Kazan State Medical University

Email: amirov@kgmu.kcn.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-0009-9103

MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), professor, academician of the National Academy of Medical Sciences

Russian Federation, Kazan

References

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