The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and associated risk factors among malaysian university students during the covid-19 pandemic

Ugeswaran, Jeganathen (2022) The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and associated risk factors among malaysian university students during the covid-19 pandemic. Final Year Project, UTAR.

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Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) are the leading cause of chronic, severe pain and physical disability. The emergence of COVID-19 prompted Malaysian students to decrease their daily activities and increase their total sitting time, generating a sedentary mindset that was exacerbated by online teaching and learning. which led to musculoskeletal pain. There have been reports of a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among university students worldwide. However, little is known about the magnitude of the problem among Malaysian university students. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and identify the related risk factors of MSP among Malaysian university students, as well as to assess the students' perceptions regarding the significance of practising ergonomics during the pandemic. Methods: A self-administered online survey was distributed to students at the University Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Kampar Campus. The survey gathered information regarding demographics, physical activity levels, and total sitting time that were maintained prior to and during the social restrictions that followed the pandemic, as well as the prevalence of neck, low back, and shoulder pain, pain onset posture, and daytime window for the pain. Additional, ergonomic factors practiced by the students during the pandemic were also documented. SPSS v.25 was used to conduct descriptive analysis, Spearman's rank correlation, and simple linear regression. Results: The distribution of 800 questionnaires yielded 640 valid responses. The most prevalent MSP among university students during the pandemic were neck pain (55.6%), low back pain (47.2%), and shoulder pain (48.3%). More students engaged in light or no physical exercise (78.3%) than moderate or strenuous activity (21.7%). More participants (82.5%) sat for eight hours or more than those who sat for less than eight hours (17.5%). Physical activity intensity level and neck pain, low back. pain, and shoulder pain among university students had no association (p >.05), however, total sitting time was correlated (p < 0.001). Additionally, the general student population sadly undervalues the significance of ergonomics. Conclusion: There was no concrete evidence on the subject of the connection. between sitting time, physical activity level, and neck, low back, and shoulder pain. Results, however, indicate that the pandemic and online classes have caused students to engage in less physical activity and spend more time sitting down. Therefore, specific prevention interventions should be designed and implemented to lower the risk of MSP in students who are susceptible owing to a lack of physical activity and prolonged sitting.

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