Job specifics of IT specialists and approaches to disease prevention

Within the national program “Digital Economy of the Russian Federation,” it is relevant to examine job specifics of IT specialists and their impact on performance status. Changes in this area necessitate reviewing approaches to disease prevention. For this purpose, we performed a retrospective analysis of publications on job specifics and working conditions of IT specialists to identify relevant issues and approaches to their prevention in the current context. The search was performed in PubMed (using MeSH terms) and eLIBRARY.RU. The search depth was 1972–2024. The MeSH terms and keywords were related to work with computers and information systems, as well as occupational risk factors and outcomes. In total, 3647 publications on relevant disorders and work system components were reviewed. A more detailed analysis included meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized controlled studies, cohort studies, case–control studies, and the most significant cross-sectional studies (a total of 86 publications). Working with visual display terminals increases the risk of subjective complaints of visual processing disorders, dry eye, and ocular hypertension, as well as musculoskeletal discomfort, dysautonomia, sleep disorders, and psychological disorders. There was no increased risk of reproductive disorders; however, there is evidence of the impact on fertility. Priority areas for prevention programs should include control of cognitive workload and occupational stress, improved workplace ergonomics and lighting conditions, prevention of visual processing disorders, and psychological support. The programs must take into consideration the changes in workflow.