Risk Factors for Neck Pain in College Students
Author Information
Author(s): Kanchanomai Siriluck, Janwantanakul Prawit, Pensri Praneet, Jiamjarasrangsi Wiroj
Primary Institution: Chulalongkorn University
Hypothesis
What are the risk factors for the onset and persistence of neck pain in undergraduate students?
Conclusion
Neck pain is common among undergraduate students, with specific computer use factors linked to its onset and persistence.
Supporting Evidence
- 46% of students reported new onset of neck pain during the follow-up.
- 33% of those with neck pain reported it as persistent.
- Computer screen position not level with the eyes was linked to neck pain onset.
- Second-year students had a higher risk of persistent neck pain.
- Using a computer for entertainment less than 70% of the time was associated with lower risk of persistent neck pain.
- Keyboard position being too high increased the risk of persistent neck pain.
Takeaway
Many college students get neck pain, and how they use their computers can make it worse or better.
Methodology
A prospective cohort study with a self-administered questionnaire and physical examination was conducted over one year.
Potential Biases
Subjective reporting of neck pain and computer use may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study was limited to one university, and subjective measures may have affected accuracy.
Participant Demographics
{"sex":{"male":138,"female":386},"age":{"mean":19.4,"sd":1.1},"year_of_study":{"year_1":183,"year_2":247,"year_3":91,"year_4":0,"year_5":3},"field_of_study":{"arts_humanities":175,"science_health_science":349}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.008
Confidence Interval
1.13-2.36
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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