Frequency and severity of neck pain among undergraduate students using screen devices

Abstract

Background: Screen use time has been on the rise among the students, which has detrimental effects on their health. One of the most frequent complaints from users is neck pain that predisposes individuals to functional limitations and persistent pain, which may result in poor academic performance.

Objective: To determine the frequency and severity of neck pain among undergraduate students using screen devices.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Bashir Institute of Health Sciences from June to

October 2022. A sample of 80 students was selected using the non-probability convenient sampling technique to evaluate the relationship between screen device usage and neck pain. The participants were the undergraduate students, both male and female with age ranging from 18 to 25 years. Data was collected using a self-structured questionnaire and Numeric Pain Rating Scale and was analyzed by SPSS version 25.

Results: The findings showed that a substantial proportion of participants, specifically 71 (88.75%) reported experiencing neck pain at least once during or after device use. Moreover, the frequency of neck pain was found to be 73.8% annually, 43.8% within the last month, and 22.5% at the time of assessment. Moderate pain intensity was reported by 41 (51.3%) participants, while 22 (27.5%) reported mild pain on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale.

Conclusion: The study concluded that neck pain is frequently reported in students using screen devices with the majority having moderate level of pain severity.