Prevalence of neck and shoulder pain among Saudi universities’ students who are using smartphones and computers

AIM: This study aimed to identify the prevalence and associated factors of neck and shoulder pain that result from using smartphones and computers among Saudi university students. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 516 students. An online questionnaire containing data about participants’ characters, type of device used, reason and duration of use and position when using smartphones, suffering neck or shoulder pain, severity, pain relief medicines, exercises for the neck and shoulder after use, and effect of pain on daily routine was distributed on Google Form. RESULTS: 45% of participants were using smartphones; 35.1% spent 6–9 hours on average. Further, 40.5% used mobiles with one hand with a slight neck tilt below the horizon line; 59.1% complained of neck or shoulder pain while using devices, and only 2.7% of those suffering from pain were using pain relief medicines. Moreover, 34.3% were doing exercises after using devices, and 20.3% experienced pain in their daily routines. Participants using both iPads or tablets and computers had a significantly higher percentage of neck or shoulder pain compared to other user devices. Participants using devices for studying accounted for a significantly higher percentage of suffering from neck or shoulder pain compared to those using it for other purposes. Participants using mobile with one hand with a large neck tilt below the horizon line had a significantly higher percentage of suffering from neck or shoulder pain. CONCLUSION: University students should be given top attention when it comes to raising awareness about health and safety risks associated with computer use.