Prevalence and Association of Neck Disability Index (NDI) with Forward Head Posture (FHP) among Pharm D Students

Abstract

Background: Forward Head Posture (FHP) is a prevalent condition characterized by the anterior positioning of the cervical spine, leading to increased cervical lordosis. This posture has been associated with various musculoskeletal disorders, particularly among students who spend prolonged periods in sedentary activities, such as reading or using computers and smartphones. The relationship between FHP, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and the Craniovertebral (CV) angle is crucial for understanding the impact of this postural deviation on neck disability. Objective: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of FHP among Pharm-D students at the Margalla Institute of Health Sciences, Rawalpindi, and to assess the association between the NDI and CV angle in this population. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 169 Pharm-D students selected through convenient non-probability sampling. The ON Protractor application was used for photogrammetric measurements of the CV angle, while the NDI questionnaire assessed neck disability. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25, with correlation coefficients calculated to explore the associations between FHP, NDI, and CV angle. Results: The prevalence of FHP among the participants was found to be 84%. The majority of students (63.3%) exhibited light disability according to the NDI. The mean CV angle was 41.49 degrees in standing and 41.5 degrees in sitting positions. No significant correlation was observed between the CV angle and NDI (r=0.357 in sitting and r=0.162 in standing positions), indicating that the degree of FHP was not directly related to the level of neck disability. Conclusion: FHP is highly prevalent among Pharm-D students, with a significant proportion experiencing light neck disability. However, the study found no significant correlation between the severity of FHP (as measured by the CV angle) and neck disability. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address FHP and prevent neck disabilities in this population.