Prevalence of Text Neck Syndrome and it's adverse effects : A cross sectional study on undergraduate medical students

Lodugu Reshma  Shireesha; Sharmila  Nalli; Yavvari Raghu  Srinivas; Hanumanthu Ravi  Kumar

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i3.1655

Authors

Lodugu Reshma Shireesha Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Government Medical College Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India
Sharmila Nalli Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Government Medical College Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh , India
Yavvari Raghu Srinivas Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Government Medical College Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh , India
Hanumanthu Ravi Kumar Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Government Medical College, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh , India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i3.1655

Keywords:

ext Neck Syndrome, smartphone usage, posture, musculoskeletal symptoms, academic performance, medical students

Abstract

Background: Text Neck Syndrome (TNS) is a condition associated with prolonged smartphone usage and poor posture, leading to various musculoskeletal symptoms. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of TNS and its adverse effects among undergraduate medical students.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 undergraduate medical students. Data on symptoms, smartphone usage, posture, and the impact on daily activities were collected using structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the correlation between smartphone usage, posture, and the presence of TNS symptoms.

Results: The prevalence of TNS was 75%, with the majority of students reporting neck pain (68%), shoulder pain (54%), and headaches (40%). A significant correlation was found between smartphone usage duration and TNS symptoms, with students using smartphones for more than 4 hours per day experiencing higher rates of neck pain (p < 0.05) and headaches (p < 0.01). Furthermore, poor posture was associated with TNS, as 55% of students with TNS had poor posture compared to 45% without TNS (p < 0.01). TNS also negatively impacted academic performance (45%) and sleep quality (30%). Despite 70% awareness of good posture, only 30% of students practiced corrective measures during smartphone usage.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of Text Neck Syndrome among medical students underscores the importance of addressing this condition through awareness and corrective measures. Smartphone usage duration and poor posture are significant contributors to TNS symptoms, which can adversely affect academic performance and quality of life. Regular breaks, posture correction, and educational interventions are recommended to mitigate these effects.

References

Zheng DD, Li D, Cheng JX, Jin RH. The prevalence of neck pain among online learning students: An observational study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Aug 9;103(32):e39264. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000039264

Alhakami AM, Madkhli A, Ghareeb M, Faqih A, Abu-Shamla I, Batt T, Refaei F, Sahely A, Qassim B, Shami AM, Alhazmi AH. The Prevalence and Associated Factors of Neck Pain among Ministry of Health Office Workers in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare (Basel). 2022 Jul 16;10(7):1320. doi: 10.3390/healthcare10071320. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10071320

Almutairi H, Alhammad L, Aldossari B, Alonazi A. Prevalence and Interrelationships of Screen Time, Visual Disorders, and Neck Pain Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study at Majmaah University. Healthcare. 2024; 12(20):2067. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12202067

Ayhualem S, Alamer A, Dabi SD, Bogale KG, Abebe AB, Chala MB. The burden of neck pain and associated factors among smartphone user students in University of Gondar, Ethiopia. PLoS One. 2021 Sep 7;16(9):e0256794. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256794. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0256794

Alshagga MA, Nimer AR, Yan LP, Ibrahim IA, Al-Ghamdi SS, Radman Al-Dubai SA. Prevalence and factors associated with neck, shoulder and low back pains among medical students in a Malaysian Medical College. BMC Res Notes. 2013 Jul 1;6:244. https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-0500-6-244

6.Mahmoud NA, Abu Raddaha AH, Zaghamir DE. Impact of Digital Device Use on Neck and Low Back Pain Intensity among Nursing Students at a Saudi Government University: A Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare (Basel). 2022 Nov 30;10(12):2424. Doi: 10.3390/healthcare10122424. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10122424

Mersal FA, Mohamed Abu Negm LM, Fawzy MS, Rajennal AT, Alanazi RS, Alanazi LO. Effect of Mobile Phone Use on Musculoskeletal Complaints: Insights From Nursing Students at Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia. Cureus. 2024 Mar 29;16(3): e57181. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.57181

Alghamdi MS, Alghamdi AF, Almalawi AM, Alsulami RA, Hazazi HA, Al Ghashmari AA, Al Dawais AS, Salawati E. The Association Between Neck Pain and Psychological Distress Experienced by King Abdulaziz University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus. 2023 Mar 2;15(3):e35685. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.35685

Salameh MA, Boyajian SD, Amaireh EA, Jamal B, Alrfooh H, AbuKhalaf K, Alzu'bi OM, Al-Tanbouz HD, Alzyoud K. Prevalence of text neck syndrome, its impact on neck dysfunction, and its associated factors among medical students: A cross-sectional study. Work. 2024;79(3):1111-1119. doi: 10.3233/WOR-230678. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-230678

Sirajudeen MS, Alzhrani M, Alanazi A, Alqahtani M, Waly M, Unnikrishnan R, et al. Prevalence of text neck posture, smartphone addiction, and its association with neck disorders among university students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. PeerJ. 2022 Dec 15;10:e14443. doi: 10.7717/peerj.14443. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14443

Piruta J, Kułak W. Physiotherapy in Text Neck Syndrome: A Scoping Review of Current Evidence and Future Directions. J Clin Med. 2025 Feb 19;14(4):1386. doi: 10.3390/jcm14041386. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14041386

Tsantili AR, Chrysikos D, Troupis T. Text Neck Syndrome: Disentangling a New Epidemic. Acta Med Acad. 2022 Aug;51(2):123-127. doi: 10.5644/ama2006-124.380. https://doi.org/10.5644/ama2006-124.380

Daher A, Halperin O. Association between Psychological Stress and Neck Pain among College Students during the Coronavirus Disease of 2019 Pandemic: A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare. 2021; 9(11):1526. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9111526

Maayah MF, Nawasreh ZH, Gaowgzeh RAM, Neamatallah Z, Alfawaz SS, Alabasi UM. Neck pain associated with smartphone usage among university students. PLoS One. 2023 Jun 23;18(6):e0285451. Doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285451. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0285451