The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Discomfort Among Selected Students at Caraga State University, Butuan City, Caraga Region, Philippines
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
Musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) can affect a person’s ability to perform their job effectively, resulting in missed workdays and lower productivity. Prolonged periods of immobility can cause excessive strain on muscles and joints, particularly in the neck, back, and shoulders, resulting in symptoms such as headaches, backaches, neck pain, and shoulder discomfort. This study explored how common musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) is and identified the factors that may contribute to it. Also, associate these risk factors among 1st-year students officially enrolled in 1st semester, A.Y. 2022–2023 in Caraga State University-Main Campus, Ampayon, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte. A total of 341 students from all seven colleges participated in the survey. Results revealed a high prevalence of MSD in the neck, shoulders, lower and upper back, wrists/hands, and elbows over the previous 12 months and a high prevalence during the last seven days in the shoulders, upper, and lower back. Also, there is a significant association between MSD and respondents’ age, gender, and college course. Females were more likely to experience MSD than males. Laptop/computer usage and time spent on electronic devices were significant risk factors for MSD. In contrast, physical activity engagement did not show a significant relationship with MSD over the previous 12 months, except for upper back discomfort during the last seven days. Consequently, the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) and its associated risk variables are significantly correlated among first-year students at Caraga State University (CSU). To reduce the impact of MSDs on the student body, implementing a comprehensive strategy that addresses both environmental and human aspects is suggested.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
References
• Abledu, J. K., & Offei, E. B. (2015). Musculoskeletal disorders among first-year Ghanaian students in a nursing college. African Health Sciences, 15(2), 444–449. https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v15i2.18
• Alghadir, A. H., & Anwer, S. (2015). Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in construction workers in Saudi Arabia. Scientific World Journal, Article 529873. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/529873
• Alsaadi, S. M. (2022). Musculoskeletal pain in undergraduate students is significantly associated with psychological distress and poor sleep quality. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19, Article 13929. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19211329.
• Alshayhan, F. A., & Saadeddin, M. (2017). Prevalence of low back pain among health sciences students. European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology, 28(2), 165–170. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-017-2034-5
• Alyahya, F., Algarzaie, K., Alsubeh, Y., & Khounganian, R. (2018). Awareness of ergonomics and work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals and students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 30(6), 770–776. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.30.770
• Arshad, M. A., Shamsudin, M. Z., & Mustafa, M. J. A. (2020). Laptop use and upper extremities musculoskeletal disorders among higher learning students. MAEH Journal of Environmental Health, 2(2), 1–4. https://jurnal.maeh4u.org.my/index.php/home/article/view/1
• Bakir, E., Bagcivan, G., Yagci, N., & Yazar, F. (2019). Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among university students and its effects on daily activities. International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, 22(3), 420–426. https://doi.org/10.1142/S1013702521500037
• Bare, M. A. D., Castro, F. M. F., Quimio, G. L. G., & Gumasing, M. J. J. (2021, August 2–5). Effects of computer-based work on the musculoskeletal discomfort among college students [Paper presentation]. International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, Rome, Italy. https://ieomsociety.org/proceedings/2021rome/506.pdf
• Berolo, S., Wells, R. P., & Amick, B. C. (2011). Musculoskeletal symptoms among mobile hand-held device users and their relationship to device use: A preliminary study in a Canadian university population. Applied Ergonomics, 42(2), 371–378. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2010.08.010
• Borhany, T., Shahid, E., Siddique, W., & Ali, H. (2018). Musculoskeletal problems in frequent computer and internet users. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 7(2), 337–339. https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_326_17
• Bruls, V. E., Bastiaenen, C. H., & de Bie, R. A. (2013). Non-traumatic arm, neck and shoulder complaints: Prevalence, course, and prognosis in a Dutch university population. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 14(1), Article 8. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-14-8
• Bubric, K., & Hedge, A. (2016). Differential patterns of laptop use and associated musculoskeletal discomfort in male and female college students. Work, 55(3), 663–671. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-162419
• Calik, B. B., Yagci, N., Gursoy, S., & Zencir, M. (2014). Upper extremities and spinal musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors in students using computers. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 30(6), 1361–1366. http://dx.doi.org/10.12669/pjms.306.5022
• Chen, M.-D., Yang, S.-Y Huang, Y.-C., Lin, C.-Y., & Chang, J.-H. (2016). Association between smartphone use and musculoskeletal discomfort in adolescent students. Journal of Community Health, 42(3), 423–430. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-016-0271-x
• Dockrell, S., Bennett, K., & Culleton-Quinn, E. (2015). Computer use and musculoskeletal symptoms among undergraduate university students. Computers & Education, 85, 102–109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2015.02.001
• Ekpenyong, C. E., Daniel, N. E., & Aribo, E. O. (2013). Association between academic stressors, reaction to stress, coping strategies, and musculoskeletal disorders among college students. Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences, 23(2), 98–112. https://www.ethjhealths.org/associations-between-academic-stressors-reaction-stress-coping-strategies-and-musculoskeletal
• Gautam, D., & Chacko, N. (2017). Impact of laptop usage on symptoms leading to musculoskeletal disorders. Journal of Applied and Natural Science, 9(3), 1687–1690. https://doi.org/10.31018/jans.v9i3.1422
• Google Maps. (2023). Google Maps: Caraga State University, Main Campus Ampayon Butuan City. https://maps.app.goo.gl/Tdngd8ATj5HLhUj58
• Gumasing, M. J. J., dos Santos, E., & Villanueva, B. R. D. (2021, April 26–29). Predictive model affecting the musculoskeletal discomfort of occupants of state universities in Manila City [Paper presentation]. 2021 IEEE 8th International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Applications (ICIEA), Chengdu, China (pp. 115–119). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICIEA52957.2021.9436752
• Hasan, M. M., Yaqoob, U., Ali, S. & Siddiqui, A. A. (2018). Frequency of musculoskeletal pain and associated factors among undergraduate students. Case Reports in Clinical Medicine, 7(02), 131–145. https://doi.org/10.4236/crcm.2018.72011
• Hendi, O. M., Abdulaziz, A. A., Althaqafi, A. M., Hindi, A. A., Khan, S. A., & Atalla, A. A. (2019). Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and its correlation to physical activity among health specialty students. International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 10(1), 48. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijpvm.IJPVM_436_18
• Hooftman, W. E., van Poppel, M. N., van der Beek, A. J., Bongers, P. M., & van Mechelen, W. (2004). Gender differences in the relations between work-related physical and psychosocial risk factors and musculoskeletal complaints. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 30(4), 261–278. https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.794.
• Hosseini, E., Daneshmandi, H., Bashiri, A. & Sharifian R. (2021). Work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among Iranian nurses and their relationship with fatigue: a cross-sectional study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 22, Article 629. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-021-04510-3
• Intia, G. R., Lenon, J. C., Mitra, K. I., Añonuevo, B. A., & Ong, N. R. (2022). Musculoskeletal disorders: Associated risk factors of laptop usage among engineering students in the University of Santo Tomas. 12th Annual International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management. https://doi.org/10.46254/an12.20220567
• Jacobs, K., Foley, G., Punnett, L., Hall, V., Gore, R., Brownson, E., Ansong, E., Markowitz, J., McKinnon, M., Steinberg, S., Ing, A., Wuest, E., & Dibiccari, L., (2011). University students’ notebook computer use: Lessons learned using e-diaries to report musculoskeletal discomfort. Ergonomics, 54(2), 206–219. https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2010.544764.
• Kamalia, N., Pramita, I., & Antari NKAJ, (2024). Prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders among undergraduate students. Kinesiology and Physiotherapy Comprehensive, 3(2), 41–46. https://doi.org/10.62004/kpc.v3i2.40
• Kandasamy, G., Almanasef, M., Almeleebia, T., Orayj, K., Shorog, E., Alshahrani, A. M., Prabahar, K., Veeramani, V. P., Amirthalingam, P., Alqifari, S. F., Alrashidi, F., Aldurum, M., Almutiri, F., Alzaidi, A., & Almutairi, F. (2024). Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among undergraduate students. Frontiers in Medicine, 11, Article 1403267. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2024.1403267
• Keeratisiroj, O., & Siritaratiwat, W. (2018). Prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal pain symptoms among school-age adolescents: Age and sex differences. Scandinavian Journal of Pain, 18(2), 273–280. https://doi.org/10.1515/sjpain-2017-0150
• Kenny, D. T., Driscoll, T. R., Ackermann, B. J., & Murgatroyd, D. F. (2017). Prevalence and consequences of musculoskeletal symptoms in symphony orchestra musicians vary by gender: A cross-sectional study. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 32(1), 12–20. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-12-223
• Kim, H. J., & Kim, J. S. (2015). The relationship between smartphone use and subjective musculoskeletal symptoms and university students. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 27(3), 575–579. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.27.575
• Kokic, I. S., Znika, M., & Brumnic, V. (2019). Physical activity, health-related quality of life and musculoskeletal pain among students of physiotherapy and social sciences in Eastern Croatia-Cross-sectional survey. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 26(1), 182–190. https://doi.org/10.26444/aaem/102723
• Legan, M., & Zupan, K. (2020). Prevalence of mobile device-related musculoskeletal pain among working university students: a cross-sectional study. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 28(2), 734–742. https://doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2020.1827561
• Mustafaoglu, R., Yasaci, Z., Zirek, E., Griffiths, M. D., & Ozdincler, A. R. (2021). The relationship between smartphone addiction and musculoskeletal pain prevalence among young population: A cross-sectional study. The Korean Journal of Pain, 34(1), 72–81. https://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2021.34.1.72
• Namwongsa, S., Puntumetakul, R., Neubert, M. S., & Boucaut, R. (2018). Factors associated with neck disorders among university student smartphone users. Work, 61(3), 367–378. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-182819
• Nordin, N. A. M., Singh, D. K. A., & Kanglun, L. (2014). Low back pain and associated risk factors among health science undergraduates. Sains Malaysiana, 43(3), 423–428. https://ukm.my/jsm/english_journals/vol43num3_2014/vol43num3_2014p423-428.html
• Obembe, A. O., Johnson, O. E., Tanimowo, T. O., Onigbinde, A. T., & Emechete, A. A. (2013). Musculoskeletal pain among undergraduate laptop users in a Nigerian University. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 26(4), 389–395. https://doi.org/10.3233/BMR-130397
• Oha, K., Animägi, L., Pääsuke, M., Coggon, D., & Merisalu, E. (2014). Individual and work-related risk factors for musculoskeletal pain: A cross-sectional study among Estonian computer users. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 15(1), Article 181. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-15-181
• Paixão, M. D. S., Tassitano, R. M., & de Siqueira, G. R. (2013). Prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort and associated factors in college students. Brazilian Journal in Health Promotion, 26(2), 236–244. https://doi.org/10.1142/S1013702521500037
• Penglee, N., Christiana, R. W., Battista, R. A., & Rosenberg, E. (2019). Smartphone use and physical activity among college students in health science-related majors in the United States and Thailand. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(8), Article 1315. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16081315
• Prajapati, S. P., & Purohit, A. (2021). Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder among college students in times of COVID-19 pandemic - An observational study. International Journal of Health Science Research, 11, 214–218. https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20211028
• Rakhadani, P. B., Goon, D. T., & Mandeya, A. (2017). Musculoskeletal problems associated with university students computer users: A cross-sectional study. Online Journal for Health Allied Sciences, 16(2), 7. http://www.ojhas.org/issue62/2017-2-7.html
• Regiani-Bueno, G., Garcia, L. F., Marques Gomes Bertolini, S. M., & Rodrigues Lucena, T. F. (2019). The head down generation: Musculoskeletal symptoms and the use of smartphones among young university students. Telemedicine Journal and E-Health, 25(11), 1049–1056. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2018.0231
• Reuter, P. R., & Fichthorn, K. R. (2019). Prevalence of generalized joint hypermobility, musculoskeletal injuries, and chronic musculoskeletal pain among American university students. PeerJ, 7, Article e7625. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.7625
• Rhim, H. C., Tenforde, A., Mohr, L., Hollander, K., Vogt, L., Groneberg, D. A., & Wilke, J. (2022). Association between physical activity and musculoskeletal pain: an analysis of international data from the ASAP survey. BMJ Open, 12(9), Article e059525. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059525
• Roggio, F., Trovato, B., Ravalli, S., Di Rosa, M., Maugeri, G., Bianco, A., & Musumeci, G. (2021). One year of COVID-19 pandemic in Italy: Effect of sedentary behavior on physical activity levels and musculoskeletal pain among university students. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(16), Article 8680. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168680
• Santoshi, J. A., Jain, S., Popalwar, H. J., & Pakhare, A. (2019). Musculoskeletal disorders and associated risk factors in coaching students: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 8(3), 929–929. https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_54_19
• Scuffham, A. M., Legg, S. J., Firth, E. C., & Stevenson, M. A. (2010). Prevalence and risk factors associated with musculoskeletal discomfort in New Zealand veterinarians. Applied Ergonomics, 41(3), 444–453. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2009.09.009
• Sihawong, R., Sitthipornvorakul, E., Paksaichol, A., & Janwantanakul, P. (2015). Predictors for musculoskeletal discomfort in office workers, adjusted for personal and work-related factors: A cross-sectional study. PLOS ONE, 10(10), Article e0139718. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2016.11.004
• Singh, R., Mani, K., Khanna, P., & Kaur, M. (2017). Musculoskeletal disorders associated with mobile phone use: A review. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 30(2), 283–289. https://doi.org/10.1142/S1013702518300010
• Tantawy, S. A., Abdul Rahman, A., & Abdul Ameer, M. (2017). The relationship between the development of musculoskeletal disorders, body mass index, and academic stress in Bahraini University students. The Korean Journal of Pain, 30(2), 126–133. https://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2017.30.2.126
• Tigli, A., Altintas, A., & Aytar, A. (2020). Effects of posture and ergonomics training for students receiving distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic on musculoskeletal pain, exercise behavior decision-making balance, and physical activity level. Journal of Exercise Therapy and Rehabilitation, 7(2), 137–144. https://doi.org/10.3233/BMR-230279
• Vasseljen, O., Woodhouse, A., Bjørngaard, J. H., & Leivseth, L. (2015). Natural course of acute neck and low back pain in the general population: The HUNT study. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 28(4), 681–689. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2013.03.032
• Wami, S. D., Mekonnen, T. H., Yirdaw, G., & Abere, G. (2020). Musculoskeletal problems and associated risk factors among health science students in Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Public Health, 29, 943–949. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-020-01201-6
• Woo, E. H. C., White, P., & Lai, C. W. K. (2016). Musculoskeletal impact of the use of various types of electronic devices on university students in Hong Kong: An evaluation by means of a self-reported questionnaire. Manual Therapy, 26, 47–53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2016.07.004
• Xie, Y., Szeto, G., & Dai, J. (2017). Prevalence and risk factors associated with musculoskeletal complaints among users of mobile handheld devices: A systematic review. Applied Ergonomics, 59, 132–142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2016.08.020
• Yngve, R., Soberg, H. L., Bautz-Holter, E., & Østensjø, S. (2013). A systematic review of measures of shoulder pain and functioning using the international classification of functioning, disability, and health (ICF). BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 14(1), Article 73. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-14-73
• Zheng, Y., Pan, Y., Lu, Y., Hu, Y., Li, X., & Chen, L. (2017). Association between mobile phone use and the risk of neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of recent observational studies. Clinical spine surgery, 30(6), 222–229. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0217231
• Zirek, E., Mustafaoglu, R., Yasaci, Z., & Griffiths, M. D. (2020). A systematic review of musculoskeletal disorders related to mobile phone usage. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 49, Article 102196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2020.102196
