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. 2022 Jan;11(1):194-200.
doi: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1138_21. Epub 2022 Jan 31.

Prevalence of neck and shoulder pain among Saudi universities' students who are using smartphones and computers

Amal I Elsiddig  1 , Ibtisam A Altalhi  2 , Manal E Althobaiti  2 , Manal T Alwethainani  2 , Amjad M Alzahrani  2
Affiliations

Prevalence of neck and shoulder pain among Saudi universities' students who are using smartphones and computers

Amal I Elsiddig et al. J Family Med Prim Care. 2022 Jan.

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to identify the prevalence and associated factors of neck and shoulder pain that result from using smartphones and computers among Saudi university students.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 516 students. An online questionnaire containing data about participants' characters, type of device used, reason and duration of use and position when using smartphones, suffering neck or shoulder pain, severity, pain relief medicines, exercises for the neck and shoulder after use, and effect of pain on daily routine was distributed on Google Form.

Results: 45% of participants were using smartphones; 35.1% spent 6-9 hours on average. Further, 40.5% used mobiles with one hand with a slight neck tilt below the horizon line; 59.1% complained of neck or shoulder pain while using devices, and only 2.7% of those suffering from pain were using pain relief medicines. Moreover, 34.3% were doing exercises after using devices, and 20.3% experienced pain in their daily routines. Participants using both iPads or tablets and computers had a significantly higher percentage of neck or shoulder pain compared to other user devices. Participants using devices for studying accounted for a significantly higher percentage of suffering from neck or shoulder pain compared to those using it for other purposes. Participants using mobile with one hand with a large neck tilt below the horizon line had a significantly higher percentage of suffering from neck or shoulder pain.

Conclusion: University students should be given top attention when it comes to raising awareness about health and safety risks associated with computer use.

Keywords: Neck; Saudi; pain; prevalence; smartphones; students.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Relationship between neck or shoulder pain and type of device used N.B.: (χ2 = 20.93, P = 0.002)
Figure 2
Figure 2
Relationship between neck or shoulder pain and reason for using the device N.B.: (χ2 = 14.02, P = <0.001)
Figure 3
Figure 3
Relationship between neck or shoulder pain and position of the neck and hands when using smartphones N.B.: (χ2 = 25.43, P = <0.001)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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