PREVALENCE OF TEXT NECK SYNDROME AND ITS ASSOCIATED MUSULOSKELETAL RISK FACTOR AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS
Description
With the increasing reliance on smartphone, college students are at a higher risk of developing posture-related disorders such as text neck syndrome. This condition is characterized by forward head posture, neck pai and associated musculoskeletal imbalance. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of text neck syndrome and it’s associated with musculoskeletal risk factor among college students. A study was conducted among 400 college students aged 18-25 years. Participants who used smartphone for more than 4 hours daily were included. The Neck Disability Index (NDI), Nomophobia questionnaire (NMP-Q) were used to assess neck related disability and mobile phone dependence, respectively. Postural parameter such as Craniovertebral angle (CVA), Sagittal Head Angle (SHA) were assessed using lateral digital photographs and analyzed using kinovea software. Ethical clearance and informed consent were obtained prior to data collection. A significant prevalence of text neck syndrome was observed among participants, with higher in NDI and NMP-Q score were found. Lower CVA and SHA values indicating forward head posture found to correlate with reduced postural angle, suggesting a strong association between psychological dependency on smartphone and musculoskeletal dysfunction. The findings reveal a high prevalence of text neck syndrome and it does not majorly affect the neck angle. Early identification and intervention through ergonomics education and digital wellness strategies are essential to reduce the burden of musculoskeletal problems in young adults.