Prevalence and contributing factors of neck pain among Taibah University students: A posture and Gender-Based analysis

  • Ayman Alhammad Department of physiotherapy, College of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarrah 41477, Kingdom of Saudi Arabi
  • Husam Almalki Department of Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Sciences at Shaqra, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11961, Kingdom of Saudi Arabi
  • Ibrahim Suliman Department of physiotherapy, College of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarrah 41477, Kingdom of Saudi Arabi
  • Asim Alhelali Department of physiotherapy, College of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarrah 41477, Kingdom of Saudi Arabi
  • Mohammed Alhjili Department of physiotherapy, College of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarrah 41477, Kingdom of Saudi Arabi
  • Omar Althomali Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Sciences, University of Ha’il, Ha’il 2240, Kingdom of Saudi Arabi
Keywords: posture; gender differences; neck pain; prevalence; risk factors; undergraduate
Article ID: 343

Abstract

Objective: Neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition that impacts individuals globally, significantly affecting health and quality of life. For college students, factors like poor posture and gender differences may play a role in the prevalence of neck pain. Our aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of neck pains among Taibah University students, with particular emphasis on the influence of posture and gender. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1153 college students of Taibah University. The questionnaire answered by the participants, which assessed the presence and severity of neck pain, daily activities, and posture habits. A physical examination was also conducted to identify forward head posture and other postural deviations. Statistical data analysis such as chi-square tests and logistic regression were performed to explore the associations between neck pain, posture, and gender. Results: The study found that 95.4% of participants reported experiencing neck pain, with a notably higher prevalence among female (72.1%) compared to male (27.9%). Poor posture, especially forward head posture, was common among those with neck pain. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between the prevalence of neck pain and both gender and posture (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings indicate that neck pain is prevalent among college students at Taibah University, with female and those exhibiting poor posture being more affected. These results highlight the need for educational and ergonomic interventions to promote proper posture and reduce the incidence of neck pain in this population.

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Published
2024-11-08
How to Cite
Alhammad, A., Almalki, H., Suliman, I., Alhelali, A., Alhjili, M., & Althomali, O. (2024). Prevalence and contributing factors of neck pain among Taibah University students: A posture and Gender-Based analysis. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, 21(2), 343. https://doi.org/10.62617/mcb343
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