Prevalence and Risk Factors for Neck Pain and Low Back Pain Among College Students in Nigeria

Abstract

Objective Neck and back pain are common among healthcare students because they are exposed to prolonged hours of standing, inappropriate body posture while sitting, increased screen time- that is time spent on electronic gadgets, and decreased physical activities, all of which have adverse effects.The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of neck pain and low back pain among the college of medicine students in Ibadan, Nigeria, also assessing the risk factors for the development of these musculoskeletal pains. Materials and Methods A minimum number of 420 students, studying Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry, and Physiotherapy, and who were in their clinical level in their respective course of study in the College of Medicine, the University of Ibadan, Ibadan participated in the study. Participants were recruited for the study by Stratified sampling method and data were collected through self-administered standardised online questionnaires. Data Analysis The data were subjected to descriptive statistics and the responses were compared across demographic groups. The association between the sociodemographic variables, risk factors, disability scores, and coping mechanisms was assessed. Also, correlation coefficient was performed to test for association between coping strategies, pain score, disability score and depressive symptoms using Pearson correlation coefficient analysis. The confidence level was set at 0.05. Results Four hundred and twenty students were recruited for the study. The lifetime prevalence of neck and back pain was 74.5% and 76.6%, 12-month prevalence of 60.8% and 66.1%, and point prevalence of 15.1% and 18.7% respectively. The associated risk factors found were: sitting without back support (p= 0.06), prolonged study time (p= 0.43), using the computer (p= 0.08), use of smart phones (p= 0.01), posture assumed during lectures (p= 0.4), posture assumed during practicals (p= 0.36), prolonged sitting (p= 0.49), prolonged standing (p= 0.07), carrying heavy backpacks (p= 0.69), engaging in physical activities (0.9) and waking up to low back pain (0.04). Conclusion The prevalence of neck and low back pain among healthcare students is high and affects their everyday life.