Moghadas Tabrizi Y, Karimizadeh Ardakani M, Yavari Kateb M, Mansori M H. Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal Pains Among Newly Admitted University Students: A Cross-sectional Study. Iranian Rehabilitation Journal 2021; 19 (4) :361-368
URL:
http://irj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-1338-en.html
1- Department of Health and Sport Medicine, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Sport Psychology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (3590 Views)
Objectives: This study aimed to examine Musculoskeletal Pains (MPs) among newly admitted university students and investigate the effect of gender differences on the prevalence of MPs.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 2641 university students (1303 men, 1338 women). The study data were collected from the Health Center of the University of Tehran in the fall of 2019. Musculoskeletal pains in students were examined using the Nordic questionnaire. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and the Chi-squared test.
Results: The highest prevalence rates of MPs in the past 12 months, past 7 days, and problems that inhibited routine activities in the past 12 months were reported in the neck area (13.4%, 5.8%, and 10.5%, respectively), and the lowest rates in the elbow (1.5%, 0.6%, and 1%, respectively). Findings also indicated a significant difference between men and women regarding MPs in the neck and shoulders in all three items of the Nordic questionnaire (P<0.05).
Discussion: Based on these results, it is necessary to prevent musculoskeletal pains, especially in the neck and back, among the newly admitted students to the university.
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● Neck and shoulders had the highest prevalence of MPs anatomic area in girl students.
● The highest prevalence of MPs was in the lower back and knee in boy students.
● The lowest level of MPs prevalence was in the elbow in both genders.
Plain Language Summary
Musculoskeletal Pains (MPs) are among the most prevalent types of pain with numerous consequences for individuals and society. Musculoskeletal disorders are usually associated with constant pain, limitations in movement, skill, performance, and negative effects on the mental health. It has been shown that 20-33% of people worldwide live with one painful musculoskeletal problem. The main cause of many musculoskeletal disorders and their injuries is related to the advancement of technology and excessive use of computers, laptops, and mobile phones. University students stay for long hours in static or infrequent postures due to long study hours and high levels of stress and workload in using laptops. Therefore, they are highly affected by problems resulting from MPs. It is possible that neglecting to study musculoskeletal disorders in students can have negative and perhaps irreversible effects on their body structure. Therefore, it is important and necessary that musculoskeletal pain be examined every year in the student community. The present study reported the prevalence of MPs, especially in the neck, low back, and knees. One of the ways to reduce musculoskeletal disorders is to pay attention to physical activity and ergonomic factors. In addition, college students should be instructed on how to sit and stand properly, how to stand behind a computer, and how to use mobile phones.
Article type:
Original Research Articles |
Subject:
epidemiological studies Received: 2021/04/21 | Accepted: 2021/06/14 | Published: 2021/12/1
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