Al-Hikmah University Journal

Work surfaces that are essential in the performance of household tasks determine the satisfaction and comfort derived by homemakers in their residential dwellings. This study examines the effect of work surfaces on postural conditions and the level of intensity of pains experienced by homemakers residing in selected Colleges of Education, North Central Geo-Political Zone. A factorial research design was employed for the study. Purposive sampling was used to select sixty-one (61) homemakers in six randomly selected Colleges of Education. A 50-cm Flexi curve, specially structured recording sheet, and a self-designed scorecard were used as an instrument for data collection. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test the two null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The results showed that work surfaces used during the performance of household tasks had a significant effect on postural conditions and the level of intensity of pains experienced by homemakers. The study concluded that the performance of household tasks on poorly designed work surfaces in terms of counter height induces improper postures, leading to changes in postural conditions and pains experienced by homemakers residing in selected Colleges of Education, North Central Geo-Political Zone. The researchers recommended among others that an Enlightenment campaign should be organized for homemakers on the requirements for designing work surfaces as well as the benefits of performing household tasks on work surfaces appropriate to their heights.