Association of musculoskeletal pain patterns of college students due to the usage of mobile phone

Abstract

Mobile phones have become widely used as online learning platforms, which provide students with flexibility to access content at a time and in a place that is convenient for them. Due to the ubiquity of mobile phones, they may be used in a variety of positions that could expose their musculoskeletal system. This study aimed to investigate if there is an association between musculoskeletal pain patterns due to the usage of mobile phones. Cross-sectional study was conducted on 778 students with individual mobile phones through self-made questionnaire that consisted of general information and a standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The study revealed that the predominant site of pain patterns was the neck (64.27%), lower back (66.2%), and upper back area (54.37%). Duration of 19- 24 hours (93.57%) and sitting position (58.87%) was associated with a higher frequency of mobile phone use. Regarding patterns of pain, fatigue (26.74%) type was predominant. There was statistically significant difference found between specific mobile phone usage behaviors and patterns of musculoskeletal pain. More specifically, study sessions were linked to upper back pain (p-value = 0.049), hips/thigh (p-value = 0.021), and neck pain (p-value = 0.021). Social media streaming was linked to neck pain (p-value = 0.041) and ankle pain (p-value= 0.035). Leisure activities and video games were linked to lower back pain (p-value = 0.048), whereas how a mobile phone is held related to wrist pain (p-value = 0.005). The posture adopted and duration of usage are strong determinants of musculoskeletal pain patterns. The study's findings indicate a strong link between musculoskeletal pain in the neck, upper back, and hips and mobile phone usage, particularly in terms of duration and posture. Understanding this relationship can help raise awareness among students, guide prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.