Smartphone Addiction and its Impact on Musculoskeletal Pain in Neck, Shoulder, Elbow and Hand Among College Going Students: A Cross Country Study

Abstract

Background: Prolonged physical exposure during smartphone usage results in poor posture causing pain in neck, shoulder, elbow and hands. So, our aim was to investigate the impact of smartphone addiction on musculoskeletal pain. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted by a random sampling method from recognized institute in Bangladesh and India. 326 participants, both male and female, aged between 18 and 30 years were participated in this study. Participants were asked to fill-up a performa containing demographics, Smartphone addiction scale- short form (SAS-SF), Neck disability index (NDI), Shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), Oxford elbow score (OEC) and Cornell Hand Discomfort Questionnaire (CHDQ). Results: The mean age, weight, height and body mass index (BMI) of the participants were 22.58 ± 3.19 years, 60 ± 11.30 KG, 162.83 ± 9.74 cm, and 22.69 ± 4.36 kg/m 2 , respectively. 43.3% participants reported neck pain, 42.9% shoulder pain and 27.9% reported pain on their elbow while prolonged smartphone use. There was significant difference in NDI (p = 0.047), SPDI (p = 0.005), OES (p = 0.002), and CHDQ (p = < 0.001) among Bangladeshi and Indian population. The SAS has a significant association with NDI; p < 0.001, SPDI; p < 0.001, OES; p < 0.001, and CHDQ; p < 0.001. Conclusion: Smartphone addiction negatively impacted and positively associated with the musculoskeletal pain in neck, shoulder, elbow and hand. Attention should be given towards the safe use of smartphone and increase public awareness of this serious issue.