RELATIONSHIP OF SMARTPHONE ADDICTION WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL DISCOMFORT AMONG UNDERGRADUATE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Authors

  • Sameen Tariq Foundation University, Islamabad, Pakistan. Author
  • Sana Bashir Foundation University, Islamabad, Pakistan. Author
  • Palwasha Hussain Foundation University, Islamabad, Pakistan. Author
  • Maqsoora Humayun Foundation University, Islamabad, Pakistan. Author
  • Bushra Marium Foundation University, Islamabad, Pakistan. Author
  • Syeda Sumaira Batool Foundation University, Islamabad, Pakistan. Author
  • Huma Khan Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan. Author
  • Inayat Ullah Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71000/w4055m08

Keywords:

smartphone addiction, Musculoskeletal Pain, Neck Pain, Posture, Students, Technology Use, Upper Limb Disorders

Abstract

Background: With the rapid advancement of digital technology, smartphones have become indispensable handheld devices, integrating communication, education, and entertainment into a single tool. Their widespread use across all age groups, particularly among students, has raised concerns about physical and psychological health consequences. Prolonged smartphone use is associated with poor posture and repetitive strain, contributing to musculoskeletal discomfort. As this behavior becomes habitual, particularly in youth, identifying its health impact has become a growing public health priority.

Objective: To determine the correlation between smartphone addiction and musculoskeletal discomfort among undergraduate university students.

Methods: This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted on 150 undergraduate students from the Foundation University Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Participants aged 18–25 years with daily smartphone usage of 4–5 hours were included. Data collection tools included a self-structured demographic form, the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ). Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained prior to data collection. IBM SPSS version 20 was used for statistical analysis. As the data were non-normally distributed (p < 0.05), Spearman’s rank correlation was applied.

Results: Of the 150 participants, 93.5% (n=143) were female and 5.2% (n=8) male, with a mean age of 21.04 ± 1.89 years. Smartphone addiction was observed in 32.7% (n=50) of the participants. The most frequently reported musculoskeletal discomforts were in the neck (61.4%, n=94), lower back (53.6%, n=82), and upper back (47.1%, n=72). A moderate positive correlation was found between smartphone addiction and musculoskeletal discomfort, particularly in the neck (r = 0.267, p = 0.001), upper back (r = 0.352, p < 0.001), and upper limbs (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: A significant positive correlation exists between smartphone addiction and musculoskeletal discomfort among undergraduate students, particularly in the neck, upper back, and upper limbs.

Author Biographies

  • Sameen Tariq, Foundation University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

    Doctor of Physical Therapy, Former Student, Foundation University College of Physical Therapy (FUCP), Foundation University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

  • Sana Bashir, Foundation University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

     Assistant Professor, Foundation University College of Physical Therapy (FUCP), Foundation University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

  • Palwasha Hussain, Foundation University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

    Doctor of Physical Therapy, Former Student, Foundation University College of Physical Therapy (FUCP), Foundation University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

  • Maqsoora Humayun, Foundation University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

     Doctor of Physical Therapy, Former Student, Foundation University College of Physical Therapy (FUCP), Foundation University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

  • Bushra Marium, Foundation University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

     Doctor of Physical Therapy, Former Student, Foundation University College of Physical Therapy (FUCP), Foundation University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

  • Syeda Sumaira Batool, Foundation University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

     Lecturer, Foundation University College of Physical Therapy (FUCP), Foundation University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

  • Huma Khan, Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan.

     Lecturer / Assistant Professor, Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan.

  • Inayat Ullah, Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan.

    Assistant professor, Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan.

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Published

2025-07-01