Predictors of neck disability among undergraduate students: A cross-sectional study

Many cross-sectional studies have examined the predictors of neck pain among adolescents and working-age populations, but there are limited studies included undergraduate students.

To investigate the predictors of neck disability among undergraduate students.

A cross-sectional study using a self-administered online survey. Students completed the survey that included socio-demographic factors, academic-related factors, health and lifestyle factors, and standardized questionnaires including Neck Disability Index (NDI), 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Students who reported an NDI score higher than 15 were considered as having a neck disability. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify the significant predictors of neck disability.

Of all students (n = 1292), 20.8% reported neck disability. Among all possible predictors, students' major satisfaction (OR 1.46 [95% CI 1.06-2.01]; p = 0.019), DASS-21 anxiety score (OR 1.06 [95% CI 1.03-1.09]; p < 0.001), SF-12 total score (OR 0.89 [95% CI 0.86-92]; p < 0.001), and PSQI score (OR 1.21 [95% CI 1.15-1.28]; p < 0.001) were the only significant predictors of neck disability.

Increased levels of academic stressors and anxiety, and decreased levels of quality of life and sleep quality are associated with increased neck disability among undergraduate students.