The Relationship Between Using Smartphones andText Neck Syndrome in Online Learning Among University Students in Jordan: A Survey Study

Abstract

Background: The use of online learning methods has expanded considerably in many countries since the declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. Smartphones are widely used for voice and text messaging, checking emails, and distance learning. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between using smartphones and text neck syndrome.

Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among university students in Jordan between February and March 2023. All undergraduate students were invited to participate. A self-administered online (Google forms) questionnaire was distributed by posting the link to the questionnaire on students' groups through social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp.

Results: A total of 171 students responded to the survey. The participants included 103 (60%) females and 68 (40%) males. Approximately 79% of the participants were less than 22 years old. Almost half of the participants reported pain at neck (54%) and shoulder (51%), while about 61% of participants suffered from upper back pain.

Conclusions: 1. Smartphones are widely becoming essential in educational technology, and more concern should be expended to increase the awareness about optimal and healthy usage of smartphones by restricting usage duration in order to reduce neck and shoulder pain and associated poor functioning in daily living activities. 2. Poor patterns of smartphone use increase the likelihood of neck pain. 3. Neck movement limitations are not associated with age or gender. 4. Students who did not report limitation in neck movement were less likely to have difficulty with reading.

Keywords: Text Neck Syndrome; online education; smartphone; students.