Association of Musculoskeletal Pain and Psychological Stress with the use of Personal Electronic Devices among College Going Students – A Virtual Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Computer use is associated with increased risk for musculoskeletal disorders due to
adopted static postures and highly repetitive hand motions. At colleges, students use computers, mobile
phones, laptop or tablet for communication, learning and entertainment. Social isolation, loneliness,
physical inactivity or sedentary lifestyle are individual entities. Owing to the present situation, where
the public interaction is restricted, the above factors can interfere in mental health status as well as on
musculoskeletal system of the students. So, the aim was to study the association of musculoskeletal
pain and psychological stress with the use of personal electronic devices among college going students.
Method: An online short form questionnaire was prepared using Google forms which consisted of
survey related questions from Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale. Total
100 college going students were recruited as per selection criteria and online form was distributed
amongst them. Data analysis by chi-square test showed significant association of musculoskeletal
pain (P< 0.05) but no association of psychological stress (P> 0.05) with the use of personal electronic
devices among college going students.
Conclusion: Musculoskeletal pain was commonly associated with the use of personal electronic
devices rather than psychological stress among college going students.