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Relationship between the development of musculoskeletal disorders, physical activity level, and academic stress among undergraduates students of University of Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Academic stress is a common experience among university students. It can affect the body composition of the students through behavioral changes, which further affect their physical activity level (PAL). Musculoskeletal disorders could arise from the interaction of these factors. This stu...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Ikenna, Uchenwoke Chigozie, Nwobodo, Loveth Nwuka, Ezeukwu, Antoninus Obinna, Ilo, Ijeoma Judith, Ede, Stephen Sunday, Okemuo, Adaora Justina, Okoh, Chisom Favour
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: Wolters Kluwer - Medknow 2022
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9942129/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36824071
http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/jehp.jehp_416_22
Descripción
Sumario:BACKGROUND: Academic stress is a common experience among university students. It can affect the body composition of the students through behavioral changes, which further affect their physical activity level (PAL). Musculoskeletal disorders could arise from the interaction of these factors. This study aimed to determine the relationship between PAL, academic stress, selected anthropometric indices, and the development of MSDs among a selected Nigerian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 256 (129 females and 127 males) undergraduates of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus aged 15–30 years using Student's Stress Inventory to evaluate academic stress, the short-form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to determine the PAL, and a Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to assess MSDs. RESULTS: The results showed a high PAL with the male students having more PAL (61.4%) than female students. Secondly, the prevalence of MSDs among the population was high (66.02%) and the students faced moderate academic stress with the prevalence being more among the female students (75.2%). A significant difference was observed between academic stress and the development of MSDs (P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: This study's findings support the hypothesis that increased academic stress and low level of physical activity are linked to increased risks of MSDs among students. Thus, it is warranted that the University curriculum is re-adjusted and incorporate public enlightenment programs on possible causes and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, stress management, and coping strategies.