Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and smartphone addictions among university students in Malaysia

Beh Hui Hua; Shasvine Viknesh Sugumaran; Erna Faryza; Nur Atiqah; K. Jasvindar; Mohammed Shahjahan Kabir; Lubna Shirin; M. H. M Nazmul

doi:10.53730/ijhs.v6nS2.5078

Authors

Beh Hui Hua School of Occupational Therapy, Perdana University, Wisma Chase Perdana, Changkat Semantan Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Shasvine Viknesh Sugumaran
shasvine.viknesh@perdanauniversity.edu.my
School of Occupational Therapy, Perdana University, Wisma Chase Perdana, Changkat Semantan Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Erna Faryza Centre of Occupational Therapy Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Nur Atiqah Centre of Occupational Therapy Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
K. Jasvindar Graduate School of Medicine, Perdana University, Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Mohammed Shahjahan Kabir Graduate School of Medicine, Perdana University, Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Lubna Shirin Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Bandar Saujana Putra, Jenjarom, 42610 Selangor, Malaysia
M. H. M Nazmul Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Bandar Saujana Putra, Jenjarom, 42610 Selangor, Malaysia

Keywords:

MSD, musculoskeletal disorders, smartphone addiction, university students

Abstract

University students in Malaysia were identified as a high-risked population for smartphone addiction. It was proved that repetitive movements when using a smartphone will eventually lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). The main objectives of this study were to assess the level of smartphone addictions and the presence of MSD among university students in Malaysia. Moreover, this study tried to explore the association between the two objectives above. Two hundred and twenty-six (n=226) university students in Malaysia aged 17-35 years old participated in this study through convenience sampling. Participants were asked to complete a set of self-reported questionnaires via online. The data were analysed by using descriptive analysis and inferential analysis (Spearman correlation test). About 82.3% (n=186) of participants reported the presence of MSD symptoms in at least one body part and neck has the highest prevalence of MSD, 65.9% (n=149). Moreover, the study also found that 73.5% (n=166) of participants were at risk of having smartphone addiction. After analysis, the presence of MSD in 17 body parts showed significant positive association (p<0.05) with smartphone addiction. However, all of them had a low correlation score (r<0.18). The high prevalence of smartphone addiction among university students is alarmed in the study.

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