Neck pain and distance learning: A pain in the neck for university students during COVID-19

Abstract

Objective The shift to online learning during COVID-19 led to increased musculoskeletal discomforts and impacted students’ quality of life. Neck pain, once a minor issue, has become more prevalent due to prolonged electronic device use in new learning methods. This study aims to measure the prevalence of neck pain among University of Sharjah (UOS) students during the COVID-19 online learning period and to investigate the factors that provoked it. Methods This cross-sectional study used an online survey distributed to UOS students via social media from February 16 to March 12, 2021. Demographic data, Neck Disability Index (NDI) assessments, and pain management information were gathered and analyzed using SPSS 24 through univariate and bivariate methods. Results The prevalence of neck pain during COVID-19, among 325 UOS students was found to be 62.7%, 64.41% of which had neck pain at the time of doing the survey. The mean NDI percentage point was 19.19%. The most common location of pain was the back of the neck 38.77%). Participants reported prolonged sitting (81.23%) while leaning forward as the most prevalent cause of their neck pain. Bivariate analysis showed that the most significant factors affecting the NDI were lifting, personal care, headaches, concentration, sleeping, recreational activities, reading, anxiousness, depression, and work. Moreover, subjects who did not seek medical attention treatment had significantly higher NDI scores as compared to those who did (83.89 vs 125.80, p=0.002). Conclusion By determining the prevalence of neck pain among UOS students, this research can attract attention to the importance of postural changes and time spent in e-learning on neck pain, and the gaps of previously published articles can be filled. Future studies about neck pain and additional preventative measures should be catalyzed in the UAE.