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Vuran BŞ, Altunalan T. Musculoskeletal pain intensity and perceptions during distance learning: A cross-sectional study. Clin Anat 2024; 37:578-586. [PMID: 38546148 DOI: 10.1002/ca.24163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Technological developments and the pandemic have popularized the distance learning model at universities. In this educational model, students spend more time in front of screens, and screen-related health conditions have become important. This cross-sectional study of 177 undergraduate students was designed to investigate the effect of block and traditional scheduling in online distance education (ODE) on their musculoskeletal pain and to investigate their perceptions of block scheduling. A two-stage method was used: a quantitative design to compare pain levels, and a qualitative design to determine the students' perceptions of block scheduling using an online survey. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11). Data were collected in the university health sciences department. Pain intensity following the block and traditional lessons was analyzed using a paired t-test. Students in the block schedule had significantly more pain, with a large effect size on the whole trunk and upper limbs. Pain levels were also clinically meaningful for the upper (5.73 ± 2.75), lower (5.59 ± 2.87), and neck (4.92 ± 2.60) regions. Students reported positive experiences with block scheduling in ODE such as saving time (43%) and maintaining subject integrity (26%), but also negative experiences such as distraction (56%), fatigue (33%), pain (17%), and boredom (11%). Block scheduling in ODE could cause clinically significant neck and back pain. In distance learning, keeping the course duration short and ensuring student mobility in the classroom are important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burak Şevket Vuran
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Uskudar University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Turgay Altunalan
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Karadeniz Technical University, Üniversite Mah, Trabzon, Turkey
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Nakazato T, Quezada P, Gutiérrez C, Romaní F. Chronic Neck Pain Prevalence Before and After COVID-19 Restrictions and Its Relationship With Digital Device Screen Viewing: A Population Study. Ann Rehabil Med 2024; 48:124-134. [PMID: 38644637 PMCID: PMC11058364 DOI: 10.5535/arm.230030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of chronic neck pain (CNP) among the adult population in Peru during the post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) restriction period compared with that during the pre-pandemic period and evaluate its association with prolonged digital devices connected to the internet (DDCI) screen viewing. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study using a representative sample of adults living in Peru in November 2022. A structured survey was employed to identify CNP, and the exposure variable was set as the duration of DDCI screen viewing. The McNemar test was used to compare CNP prevalence pre- and post-COVID-19 restrictions, and ordinal logistic regression was used to evaluate its association with prolonged screen viewing. RESULTS A total of 1,202 individuals participated, with 52.8% females and 79.9% residing in urban areas. Following the restrictions, the prevalence of CNP occurring daily or almost daily and at least once a week was 14.8% and 27.8%, respectively (95% confidence Interval [95% CI], 12.6-17.3 and 24.9-30.9), representing a significant increase (p<0.001) compared with pre-pandemic estimates. Notably, among those viewing DDCI screens for ≥8 hours, the odds ratio for CNP frequency escalation compared with those who did not or rarely view screens was 1.61 (95% CI, 1.04-2.50; p=0.033). CONCLUSION Approximately 4 of 10 adults in Peru experienced CNP following the lifting of COVID-19 social restrictions, more than double the pre-pandemic prevalence. Furthermore, prolonged viewing of DDCI screens increased the risk of having this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Nakazato
- Facultad de Medicina Humana, Universidad de Piura, Lima, Perú
| | - Pablo Quezada
- Facultad de Medicina Humana, Universidad de Piura, Lima, Perú
| | - César Gutiérrez
- Facultad de Medicina Humana, Universidad de Piura, Lima, Perú
| | - Franco Romaní
- Facultad de Medicina Humana, Universidad de Piura, Lima, Perú
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Gałczyk M, Zalewska A, Sobolewski M, Fernandes H. Assessment of physical activity levels and back pain among poles and Portuguese in the further year of the COVID-19 pandemic - a pilot study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:582. [PMID: 38395826 PMCID: PMC10885362 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18088-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vast majority of people have experienced the problem of back pain at least once in their lives for a variety of reasons. It is well known that regular physical activity at a moderate level has a number of health benefits regardless of age or gender with positive effects on the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory or nervous systems improving fitness levels. During the pandemic, Poland experienced one of the longest periods of school lockdown in Europe. In Portugal, this period was considerably shorter. The aim of this study was to determine the level of physical activity and back pain as well as relationship between physical activity and back pain in a group of Polish and Portuguese students in the following year the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS The study was conducted via the Internet among students from Poland and Portugal (398 respondents - 229 from Poland and 169 from Portugal) in October 2022. In the pilot study, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and The Oswestry Disability Index and Neck Disability Index questionnaires were used to assess the level of back pain. RESULTS There are no statistically significant differences in the level of physical activity and pain complaints of respondents from the two countries. At least half of the students do not report any pain complaints (median in some groups being 0). In the Portuguese men, there is a correlation between the level of physical activity and the Neck Disability Index score (p = 0.0304). CONCLUSIONS The following year, after the pandemic COVID-19 was declared, the prevalence of back pain among students in Poland and Portugal is still significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Gałczyk
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lomza, 14 Akademicka St., 18-400, Lomza, Poland
| | - Anna Zalewska
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lomza, 14 Akademicka St., 18-400, Lomza, Poland
| | - Marek Sobolewski
- Plant of Quantitative Methods, Rzeszow University of Technology, al. Powstancow Warszawy 12, 35-959, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Hélder Fernandes
- Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-253, Bragança, Portugal
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Lam CM, Sanderson M, Vu DT, Sayed D, Latif U, Chadwick AL, Staats P, York A, Smith G, Velagapudi V, Khan TW. Musculoskeletal and Neuropathic Pain in COVID-19. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:332. [PMID: 38337848 PMCID: PMC10855145 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14030332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain constitutes a significant disease burden globally and accounts for a substantial portion of healthcare spending. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to an increase in this burden as patients presented with musculoskeletal or neuropathic pain after contracting COVID-19 or had their chronic pain symptoms exacerbated by the virus. This extensive literature review analyzes the epidemiology of pain pre-pandemic, the costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of the virus on the body, mechanisms of pain, management of chronic pain post-pandemic, and potential treatment options available for people living with chronic pain who have had or are currently infected with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M. Lam
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (C.M.L.); (M.S.); (D.T.V.); (D.S.); (U.L.); (A.L.C.); (A.Y.)
| | - Miles Sanderson
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (C.M.L.); (M.S.); (D.T.V.); (D.S.); (U.L.); (A.L.C.); (A.Y.)
| | - Dan T. Vu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (C.M.L.); (M.S.); (D.T.V.); (D.S.); (U.L.); (A.L.C.); (A.Y.)
| | - Dawood Sayed
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (C.M.L.); (M.S.); (D.T.V.); (D.S.); (U.L.); (A.L.C.); (A.Y.)
| | - Usman Latif
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (C.M.L.); (M.S.); (D.T.V.); (D.S.); (U.L.); (A.L.C.); (A.Y.)
| | - Andrea L. Chadwick
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (C.M.L.); (M.S.); (D.T.V.); (D.S.); (U.L.); (A.L.C.); (A.Y.)
| | - Peter Staats
- National Spine and Pain Centers, Frederick, MD 21702, USA;
| | - Abigail York
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (C.M.L.); (M.S.); (D.T.V.); (D.S.); (U.L.); (A.L.C.); (A.Y.)
| | - Gabriella Smith
- School of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (G.S.); (V.V.)
| | - Vivek Velagapudi
- School of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (G.S.); (V.V.)
| | - Talal W. Khan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (C.M.L.); (M.S.); (D.T.V.); (D.S.); (U.L.); (A.L.C.); (A.Y.)
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Gebrye T, Niyi-Odumosu F, Lawoe J, Mbada C, Fatoye F. The impact of COVID-19 related lockdown restrictions on musculoskeletal health: a systematic review. Rheumatol Int 2023; 43:2011-2019. [PMID: 37561133 PMCID: PMC10495502 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05406-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
There is limited empirical evidence on whether Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related lockdown restrictions precipitate or perpetuate musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders. This study was aimed to synthesis literature that assessed the impact of COVID-19 related lockdown restrictions on MSK health. A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Studies meeting the following criteria were included in the review: the condition being considered was MSK health, the intervention was COVID-19 related lockdown restrictions, cross sectional studies, cohort studies, case controlled, prospective studies and retrospective studies. Data were extracted by 2 independent researchers. Risk of bias was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. Evidence from included studies was summarised using narrative synthesis. Fourteen studies comprising 22,471 participants of the general population from Turkey (n = 5), Italy (n = 1), Poland (n = 1), Australia (n = 2), Jordan (n = 1), Bangladesh (n = 1), Estonia (n = 1), the Netherlands (n = 1) and Saudi Arabia (n = 1) have met the inclusion criteria. The sample size of populations studied ranged from 91 to 1054. The included studies used questionnaire, visual analogic scale, or growth mixture modelling. Except for one study, all the included studies reported increased prevalence and incidence of MSK disorders due to COVID-19 related lockdown restrictions. The findings suggest that COVID-19 related lockdown restriction led to increased MSK disorders. Home-based strategies such as physical activity programmes and ergonomic workspace could potentially guide public health authorities to avoid MSK health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadesse Gebrye
- Department of Health Professions, Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, Brooks Building, 53 Bonsall Street, Manchester, M15 6GX, UK.
| | - Faatihah Niyi-Odumosu
- Centre for Health and Clinical Research, Faculty of Health and Applied Science, University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Chidozie Mbada
- Department of Health Professions, Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, Brooks Building, 53 Bonsall Street, Manchester, M15 6GX, UK
| | - Francis Fatoye
- Department of Health Professions, Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, Brooks Building, 53 Bonsall Street, Manchester, M15 6GX, UK
- Lifestyle Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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D'Silva PV, Bandekar P, Bhoir H, D'Silva S. "Prevalence of middle crossed syndrome in young healthy individuals from a health science university in India". J Bodyw Mov Ther 2023; 36:270-273. [PMID: 37949571 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.04.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A myofascial sling is a chain of anatomically interconnected muscles. Anatomical slings work by transferring forces between upper and lower limbs while maintaining a steady core. Middle Crossed Syndrome refers to an imbalance in the transverse plane musculature through sling systems of the trunk; often associated with laterality patterns. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study was to find the prevalence of Middle Crossed Syndrome(MCS) and secondary objective was to find an association of MCS with leg dominance in young healthy individuals. METHODS This observational study, included 382 participants aged 19-26 years. The participants were screened for presence of Middle Crossed Syndrome using Supine Lateral Ball Roll Test, Active Straight Leg Raise and Gait Parameters (step length, stride length, degree of toe out, cadence, base of support). RESULTS The results were obtained by statistical analysis using Chi-square test for prevalence of MCS in young healthy individuals with respect to age groups, gender and leg dominance. Of the total 382 screened, 25 (69.37%) were positive either unilaterally or bilaterally for MCS. CONCLUSION The study concluded that over half of the participants clinically tested positive for MCS with no correltion of MCS with leg dominance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Virgil D'Silva
- Department of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy, KAHER Institute of Physiotherapy, Belagavi, Karnataka, India.
| | - Purva Bandekar
- KAHER Institute of Physiotherapy, Belagavi, Karnataka, India.
| | - Hetal Bhoir
- KAHER Institute of Physiotherapy, Belagavi, Karnataka, India.
| | - Shiney D'Silva
- KAHER Institute of Physiotherapy, Belagavi, Karnataka, India.
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Bayrak G, Özdemir H, Aslan UB, Yağcı N. Does the Covid‐19 lockdown affect pain and anxiety in high school seniors and high school graduates preparing for the university exam? PSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/pits.22913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gökhan Bayrak
- Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department of Faculty of Health Sciences Muş Alparslan University Muş Türkiye
| | - Hatice Özdemir
- Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Pamukkale University Denizli Türkiye
| | - Ummuhan Baş Aslan
- Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Pamukkale University Denizli Türkiye
| | - Nesrin Yağcı
- Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Pamukkale University Denizli Türkiye
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Janc M, Jozwiak Z, Jankowska A, Makowiec-Dabrowska T, Kujawa J, Polanska K. Ergonomics of E-Learning Workstations and the Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders-Study among University Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3309. [PMID: 36834004 PMCID: PMC9966283 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) has increased significantly in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a fundamental change in the lifestyles, ways of learning and working patterns of the general population, which in turn, might lead to health consequences. The aim of this study was to evaluate the conditions of e-learning and the impact of the learning modality on the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms among university students in Poland. This cross-sectional study included 914 students who completed an anonymous questionnaire. The questions covered two time periods (before and during the COVID-19 pandemic) and were aimed at obtaining information about lifestyle (including physical activity using the modified International Physical Activity Questionnaire, 2007 (IPAQ), perceived stress and sleep patterns), the ergonomics of computer workstations (by Rapid Office Strain Assessment, 2012 (ROSA) method), the incidence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms (by the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, 2018 (NMQ)) and headaches. The main differences between the two periods were statistically significant according to the Wilcoxon test in terms of physical activity, computer use time, and severity of headaches. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant increase in MSD (68.2% vs. 74.6%) and their intensity (2.83 ± 2.36 vs. 3.50 ± 2.79 points) among the student population (p < 0.001). In the group of students with MSD, there was a high musculoskeletal load, due to the lack of ergonomic remote learning workstations. In future, a thorough study should be carried out, and there is an urgent need to raise students' awareness of arranging learning workstations according to ergonomic principles in order to prevent the occurrence of musculoskeletal problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Janc
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Hazards, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine (NIOM), 91-348 Lodz, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Jozwiak
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Hazards, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine (NIOM), 91-348 Lodz, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Jankowska
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Hazards, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine (NIOM), 91-348 Lodz, Poland
| | - Teresa Makowiec-Dabrowska
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Hazards, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine (NIOM), 91-348 Lodz, Poland
| | - Jolanta Kujawa
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, 92-213 Lodz, Poland
| | - Kinga Polanska
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Hazards, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine (NIOM), 91-348 Lodz, Poland
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Samarah OQ, Maden HA, Sanwar BO, Farhad AP, Alomoush F, Alawneh A, Hadidi FA, Bashaireh K, Hammad YS. Musculoskeletal pain among medical students at two Jordanian universities. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2022; 36:429-436. [PMID: 36120767 DOI: 10.3233/bmr-220065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is a debilitating multi-perceptual condition afflicting many individuals, especially individuals in the medical profession. OBJECTIVE To analyze and evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among medical students at Jordanian universities during the complete virtual learning process. METHODS A cross-sectional study of 593 medical students at two Jordanian universities was conducted. A modified Nordic questionnaire was used to assess musculoskeletal pain in three body regions. RESULTS Five hundred ninety-three students at the two Jordanian universities participated in this study. The prevalence of having MSK pain during the past week in the neck, shoulder, and lower back was 34.6%, 27%, and 41%, respectively; during the past 12 months, it was 61.2%, 45.5%, and 63.1%, respectively. Overall prevalence of having MSK pain was 58.9% in the last week and 78.1% in the past 12 months. 66.8% of students who had psychosomatic symptoms and 62.3% of those with depressive symptoms in the past week had MSK pain. Students who studied 8 hours per day had higher percentages of MSK pain (68.4%) (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.965-1.312). The average number of hours using a computer per day was significantly associated with MSK pain (p= 0.032). MSK pain during the last week was significantly associated with psychosomatic symptoms (OR 1.842, 95% CI 1.272-2.668, p= 0.001). Family history of MSK pain was significantly related to the presence of the problem in participants (OR 1.732, 95% CI 1.182-2.538, p= 0.005). Gender, depressive symptoms, average hours of computer use per day, and average hours of study at home per day did not show significant relationships with MSK pain over the year. CONCLUSIONS High prevalence of MSK pain was observed among medical students. Measures to balance in-person and virtual learning should be considered in medical schools to minimize the risk of MSK pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Q Samarah
- Department of Special Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hana A Maden
- School of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | | | | | - Anas Alawneh
- School of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Fadi Al Hadidi
- Department of Special Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Khaldoon Bashaireh
- Department of Special Surgery, College of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.,Medical Faculty, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Yazan S Hammad
- Department of Special Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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Zheng B, Zheng L, Li M, Lin J, Zhu Y, Jin L, You R, Gao Y, Liu X, Wang S. Sex differences in factors associated with neck pain among undergraduate healthcare students: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2022; 23:842. [PMID: 36057665 PMCID: PMC9440454 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-05782-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neck pain is widespread among students in healthcare-related fields. Although neck pain is more prevalent in females, since most research involves mixed-sex samples we know very little about sex differences in contributors to neck pain. Thus, this study sought to explore sex differences in the risk factors for neck pain in this high-risk population. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in China in 2021 and included a sample of 1921 undergraduate healthcare students (693 males, 1228 females) from 7 health professional schools at Fujian Medical University. We collected data on neck pain symptoms, demographics, behavioral and psychological factors. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine sex differences in the risk factors of neck pain. Results The overall prevalence of neck pain was 41.6% with female students having a higher prevalence than male students (44.4% vs. 36.7%, respectively). The adjusted analyses showed that self-study time ≥ 6 h/day (OR = 1.44, 95% CI:1.13-1.83), flexed neck posture >20 degrees (OR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.28-3.74), static duration posture >2 h (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.02-1.97), and psychological distress (high: OR = 2.04, 95% CI:1.42-2.94; very high: OR = 2.50, 95% CI:1.57-3.74; respectively) were independent factors for neck pain in females. Among males, self-study time ≥ 6 h/day (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.02-2.01) and psychological distress (moderate: OR = 2.04, 95% CI:1.28-3.25; high: OR = 2.37, 95% CI:1.49-3.79; very high: OR = 2.97, 95% CI:1.75-5.02; respectively) were significant risk factors for neck pain. Conclusions These findings suggest that the risk profiles of neck pain differ between females and males. The modifiable risk factors for neck pain, such as prolonged self-study time and elevated psychological distress, as well as poor posture among females, could be targeted through health promotion interventions in university settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi'e Zheng
- Department of Rehabilitation, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Lifeng Zheng
- Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Ming Li
- The School of Health, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xueyuan Road, University Town, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jianping Lin
- The School of Health, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xueyuan Road, University Town, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yuxiang Zhu
- The School of Health, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xueyuan Road, University Town, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Liuzhisheng Jin
- Department of Rehabilitation, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Roushi You
- Department of Rehabilitation, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yifang Gao
- The School of Health, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xueyuan Road, University Town, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Shizhong Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, China. .,The School of Health, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xueyuan Road, University Town, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
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