Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Tech Neck Syndrome Among Medical Students Using Digital Devices: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of neck pain and evaluate its association with digital-device use, ergonomic practices, and Tech Neck Syndrome among undergraduate medical students.

Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Anatomy Department, Rawal Institute of Health Sciences, Islamabad from 1st March 2026 till 30th May 2026

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 undergraduate medical students using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Information regarding demographic characteristics, digital-device use, ergonomic practices, physical activity, sleep duration, and neck-related symptoms was collected. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages. Associations between neck pain and categorical variables were assessed using Pearson's Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test where appropriate. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Among 100 participants, 48% reported neck pain and 51% reported no neck pain. Smartphones were the predominant device (97%). Significant associations with neck pain were observed for screen position (χ2=111.102, p<0.001), taking regular breaks (χ2=35.015, p<0.001), frequency of neck pain episodes (χ2=17.921, p=0.001), and neck and shoulder stiffness (χ2=11.726, p=0.003). No significant associations were observed for device type, daily screen time, purpose of use, posture, device position, back support, physical activity, sleep duration, mobile-phone use before sleep, or previous history of neck pain.

Conclusion: Neck pain was common among the medical students studied. Specific ergonomic factors, particularly screen position and taking regular breaks, were significantly associated with neck pain. Ergonomic awareness and healthy device-use practices should be encouraged.