Musculoskeletal Health Risks Associated With Smartphone Use: A Retrospective Study from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Autor: Abu Halimah J; Department of Surgery, Jazan University, Jazan, SAU., Mojiri M; College of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, SAU., Hakami S; College of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, SAU., Mobarki O; College of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, SAU., Alanazi S; College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, SAU., Alharbi A; College of Medicine, Ibn Sina National College, Jeddah, SAU., Khalban F; College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, SAU., Al Sheef A; College of Nursing, University of Hafr Albatin, Hafr Albatin, SAU., Alnujaidi S; College of Medicine, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, BHR., Almalawi M; College of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, SAU., Nasser F; College of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, SAU., Kreshan A; College of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, SAU., Almarwani R; College of Medicine, Al-Rayan Colleges, Madinah Al-Munawwarah, SAU., Ayyashi S; College of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, SAU.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: Cureus [Cureus] 2024 Jun 29; Vol. 16 (6), pp. e63446. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Jun 29 (Print Publication: 2024).
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.63446
Abstrakt: Background: Smartphone usage has become ubiquitous in Saudi Arabia with concerns growing over its impact on musculoskeletal health. Globally, various musculoskeletal symptoms have been linked to smartphone use such as neck pain, headaches, and shoulder discomfort, often exacerbated by poor posture and prolonged screen time.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to investigate the impact of smartphone use on musculoskeletal health among adults aged 18 years and older. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling from various settings such as universities, workplaces, and public areas. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered both online and in paper format, covering demographic characteristics, smartphone usage behaviors, awareness of smartphone-related health effects, and the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms.
Results: A total of 413 participants from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were surveyed to assess musculoskeletal symptoms associated with smartphone use. Demographic analysis revealed a predominantly young, single, and highly educated population, primarily Saudi nationals. Smartphone usage patterns showed extensive daily use, with over 41% using their devices for more than five hours daily. The majority were aware of smartphone-related health effects. Musculoskeletal symptoms were prevalent, notably neck pain (83.8%), arm pain (63.8%), and headaches (71.2%). The incidence of symptoms related to text neck syndrome was substantial, although awareness and diagnosis were limited. The severity of symptoms varied, with mild to moderate levels reported most frequently.
Conclusion: This study highlights a substantial prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among smartphone users in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for public health interventions to promote ergonomic practices and mitigate health risks associated with smartphone use. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to establish causal relationships and evaluate intervention strategies aimed at reducing these symptoms effectively.
Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Jazan University Research Ethics Committee issued approval 2024. Participation was voluntary and participants were assured of the confidentiality and anonymity of their responses, with data securely stored and accessed only by the research team. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.
(Copyright © 2024, Abu Halimah et al.)
Databáze: MEDLINE