Association between Psychological Stress and Neck Pain among College Students during the Coronavirus Disease of 2019 Pandemic: A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Amira Daher,Ofra Halperin

doi:10.3390/healthcare9111526

Abstract

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) greatly affected people’s lifestyles. We used an online, cross-sectional survey during a COVID-19-related lockdown in Israel, with the aim of investigating the effects of such lockdowns on students’ self-perceived stress and neck pain (NP). College students (N = 295) completed questions on sociodemographic characteristics, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), the Perceived Stress Scale, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and NP frequency (four-point scale). Logistic regression models were calculated with the NDI as the dependent variable. In total, 35.6% of students experienced at least moderate NP-related disability (NDI ≥ 15), more during than before the lockdown. NP increased gradually, from a lifetime mean of 1.80 to a lockdown mean of 3.07 (χ2 = 316.72; p < 0.001). Students’ self-perceived stress was moderate, and 59.3% reported experiencing study-related stress. Higher levels of self-perceived stress, study-related stress, sitting >3 h/day, and a higher VAS score were associated with a higher risk of an NDI ≥ 15 (Nagelkerke’s R2 = 0.513, p < 0.001). The transition from on-campus to online learning seems to have exacerbated students’ NP, which was correlated to their study stress and lifestyles. These findings advocate for the need to promote the physical and mental health of students via e.g., mental health services and occupational and ergonomic consulting services.

Highlights

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic brought enormous changes to people’s lifestyles, including to college students
A cross-sectional study was conducted in the form of an online, questionnaire-based survey posted at the Emek Yezreel College in January 2021; data were collected during the third COVID-19 lockdown in Israel, from 7 January to 8 February 2021
Our study indicated that the transition from on-campus to online learning during lockdown has a negative effect on students’ psychological stress as well as on musculoskeletal symptoms of neck pain (NP)

Summary

Introduction

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic brought enormous changes to people’s lifestyles, including to college students. This manifested in anxiety and depression [1], as well as negative effects on the musculoskeletal system [2]. Beginning with the first lockdown, which started on 15 March 2020, academic classes in Israel were required to shift from on-campus to online learning, which changed students’ habits and lifestyles [2,4,5]. In a recent meta-analysis, Barta et al (2021) [6] presented evidence that mental health issues among college students is a leading public health concern, which was seemingly exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Physical inactivity, a lack of an academic schedule, and stress among students reportedly led to symptoms of hormonal imbalances [2]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion