Text Neck Syndrome and Its Association with Smartphone Use Among Medical Students

Uzma Kausar; Sanober Faisal; Humaira Gul; Muhammad Usama Sohail; Muhammad Sohail Anjum Noor

doi:10.71104/jsogp.v16i1.1007

Uzma Kausar Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Education & Research, Abwa Medical College, Faisalabad
Sanober Faisal Assistant Professor, Department of Gynae & Obstetrics, Abwa Medical College, Faisalabad doctorsanober @yahoo.com
Humaira Gul Associate Professor, Anatomy, Independent Medical College, Faisalabad
Muhammad Usama Sohail House Officer, Dental Section, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad
Muhammad Sohail Anjum Noor

DOI: https://doi.org/10.71104/jsogp.v16i1.1007

Abstract

Background & objective: The excessive use of smartphones among medical students has been causing inimical effects on mental and physical health. Poorcan cause musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the association between the use of mobile phones and musculoskeletal pathologies among medical students.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the simple random sampling technique among the medical students of Abwa Medical College, Khurrianwala, Faisalabad, from March 2024 to August 2024. The sample size was 364, calculated using the WHO Sample Size Calculator after obtaining informed consent. Medical students from the 1st year MBBS to the 5^th year MBBS were included in the study. Faculty members and students of the Allied Health Sciences were excluded from the study. A pilot study was conducted to validate the questionnaire, which was subsequently distributed among medical students. The collected data were then analyzed using SPSS 22, employing the Chi-Square test.

Results. Out of 364 participants, 192 (53%) were male and 172 (47%) were female, with a mean age of 22 years. The most commonly used gadget was the smartphone, with 42% of participants reporting excessive smartphone use for more than 4 hours. A statistically significant value was reported among the medical students who used laptops for educational purposes. The pain assessment score revealed that the majority of students who hold their smartphones or laptops below eye and neck level report neck pain.

Conclusion: Neck pain has emerged as a leading cause of musculoskeletal pain among medical students. With advancements in social media and technology, students are increasingly prone to developing text neck syndrome due to excessive use of smartphones and laptops. Managing poor posture and bodily ergonomics can significantly reduce this issue. Text neck syndrome is significantly associated with the use of mobile phones. Measures should be implemented to raise awareness about mobile phone use, with a focus on postural education.

Keywords: smartphones, text neck syndrome, neck pain, medical students, poor posture