Prevalence of text neck syndrome, its impact on neck dysfunction, and its associated factors among medical students: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Students increasingly rely on digital devices, leading to text neck syndrome, a common overuse syndrome caused by repetitive forward neck flexion.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of text neck syndrome among medical students and the resulting neck dysfunction and to investigate the possible associated factors.

Methods: This cross-sectional study used an online self-developed questionnaire among medical students. Students' characteristics and data about smartphone usage were evaluated for diagnosis. Individuals with at least 3 of the 6 text neck syndrome symptoms and a history of more than four hours a day spent on a smartphone were diagnosed with text neck syndrome. Neck dysfunction was measured using the neck disability index. Descriptive statistics and the chi-square test were used. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: The study found that 31.7% of students with text neck syndrome have mild neck disabilities, with a higher proportion of females (40%). The characteristics that have a significant relation to text neck syndrome include being female (p < 0.0001), overweight (p = 0.025), being right-handed (p = 0.001), using four digital devices or more (p = 0.002), having low levels of physical activity (P = 0.018), and spending more than three hours a day sitting down (P = 0.027).

Conclusion: More than a quarter of medical students had text neck syndrome, and most of them had a mild neck disability. Text Neck Syndrome was linked to an increased number of gadgets used, low exercise, and more time spent in a sitting position.

Keywords: Exercise; medical students; neck; overuse syndrome; sitting position; smartphone.