Work

Tech strain: the musculoskeletal impact of electronic devices on young adults- a cross-sectional study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives: To determine the prevalence of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders among young adults using handheld devices. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to March 2023 at the Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi, and comprised young adults of either gender aged 18-25 years studying in the affiliated colleges of nursing, biomedicine and physiotherapy. Data was collected using the online RedCap questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS 26. RESULTS: Of the 412 participants, 242(58.7%) were females. The overall median age was 21 years (interquartile range: 20-23 years). A total of 280(68%) subjects had experienced upper musculoskeletal pain, and it was significantly associated with the frequency of using handheld devices (p=0.026), gender (p=0.001), frequently used hand (p=0.039) and purpose of mobile use (p=0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Duration of cell phone or hand-held device usage caused symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders.

Source: Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association

DOI: 10.47391/jpma.22334

Authors: Mehwish Mehmood, Shabnam Rashid Khan, Aiesha Ishaque, Rabbia Tariq, Gulshan Himani

Institution: Indus Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $650