Impact of Digital Device Use on Neck and Low Back Pain Intensity among Nursing Students at a Saudi Government University: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

As digital technology and online activities have become more widely accessible over the past few years, information and communication technology have grown in importance in all students’ lives. Most of them routinely use digital devices for a range of activities, primarily for online learning, activities, assignments, conversing, and Internet browsing. This study elucidated the relationship between neck and low back pain intensity and the use of digital devices among Saudi nursing students. A cross-sectional descriptive exploratory research design was applied using a convenience sample of 120 nursing students enrolled in an undergraduate nursing program at a Saudi government university located in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. A valid and reliable self-administered survey was employed. Data about sociodemographic characteristics, the Neck Disability Index and the Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire were collected. The participants reported 9.1 ± 4.6 study hours on average per week. A total of 82.5% of them do not receive enough exercise, and 87.5% indicated daily use of digital devices. Around half (54.2%) of participants reported having neck pain of a mild intensity. About 60% of the participants regularly shift positions to rest their backs, 39.2% are only able to stand for limited periods due to back issues, and 39.2% expressed concern for others about what might happen to their health. Although there was an association between neck pain intensity and the age or gender of all research participants, there was a significant association between neck pain severity and marital status (χ2 = 15.226, p = 0.019). Our findings suggest that nursing students should maintain neutral neck and back postures on a regular basis to reduce pain, which could be attributed to extensive reading on digital devices.

Effect of Mobile Phone Use on Musculoskeletal Complaints: Insights From Nursing Students at Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia

“…These patterns might be partially ascribed to the Saudi Arabian climate, which encourages indoor activities during the hot seasons, and certain sociocultural norms that subtly influence entertainment choices and social interactions, particularly for women. This propensity is further supported by the findings of Mahmoud NA et al [ 22 ], who noted a pervasive daily engagement with digital devices among participants, a trend that starts from an early age, often before thirteen. However, it is crucial to recognize that this behavior is not uniform across the entire population, as variations in lifestyle, access to digital technology, and personal preferences significantly influence individual habits.…”

“…All participants owned smartphones, while a quarter also had tablets. In the study “Impact of Digital Device Use on Neck and Low Back Pain Intensity among Nursing Students at a Saudi Government University” by Mahmoud NA et al [ 22 ], it was found that more than half of the respondents were under 22 years old, with an average age of 21.4±1.7 years. Furthermore, more than four-fifths of the respondents in that study were female, and more than one-quarter had progressed to the seventh academic level.…”

“…As stated by Khalid A et al [ 37 ], there was no significant relationship between age and the modified neck and shoulder disability index, nor was there any relationship between gender and the modified neck and shoulder disability index. Additionally, a previous study conducted on 120 nursing students at a university in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, found no significant relationship between neck pain and either age or gender [ 22 ].…”

Acute Low Back Pain Among Both Medical and Non-Medical Students Post Covid-19: A Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan

“…No significant correlation was found between the onset of LBP and a BMI of 25 or greater. A cross-sectional study among Saudi Arabian high school students noted no significant difference in BMI between participants with and without LBP (17) . Oddly, other studies found LBP reported most frequently (58.8%) in students with a normal BMI, with only 14.3% of obese students reporting LBP (25) .…”

“…Concerning the occurrence of LBP in relation to gender, a statistically significant correlation is indicated by a p-value of 0.001. A study involving Saudi adolescents revealed that females had a higher LBP prevalence rate at 74%, compared to their male counterparts at 48% (17) . The higher rate among females may be attributed to their smaller body dimensions and lower muscle endurance, potentially making them more susceptible to musculoskeletal pain (MSKP) than males (18)(19)(20)(21) .…”