Prevalence of mechanical neck pain in Taif university female students: a survey study

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify the prevalence and the associated risk factors of neck pain in female undergraduate students from Taif University in Saudi Arabia. Three hundred female volunteers' students from Taif University were participated in this study. Their ages ranges from 18 to 27 years old with a mean age of 20.49 years (± 2.14) and a mean body mass index of 23.13 (± 3.32). Self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data on the prevalence of neck pain and its associated risk factors. Additionally, all participants were assessed for neck disability (by using neck pain disability index questionnaire) and for cervical range of motion (by using CROM apparatus). The results showed that 54% of the participants reported experiencing neck pain. The prevalence of neck pain increased with higher level of study and it is commoner among clinical students. Postural bad habits and life style are the most common risk factors. It was concluded that Taif university female students had a high prevalence of mechanical neck pain. The future health of undergraduate students deserves consideration and they should be alerted to the likelihood of mechanical neck pain and its potential causes. However there is still uncertaininty about factors leading to neck pain and more research is needed on this topic. (Nevein M M Gharib and Nashwa S Hamid. Prevalence of mechanical neck pain in Taif university female students: a survey study. J Am Sci 2013;9(6):347-354). (ISSN: 1545-1003). http://www.jofamericanscience.org. 40