Prevalence and Risk Factors of Neck and Shoulder Pain Among Thai High School Students

Authors

  • Chadakan Yan Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Clinical Statistics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
  • Arthikom Laisin Assumption College Samutprakarn, Samutprakarn, Thailand
  • Kanrutai Jarottammarat Division of AIDS and STIs, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
  • Chomphunutsin Singmanee Faculty of Nursing, Panyapiwat Institute of Management

Abstract

Neck and shoulder pain (NSP) is an increasingly common musculoskeletal complaint among adolescents, paralleling the global rise in screen-based behaviors. Prolonged digital device use, poor ergonomics, and visual strain have been identified as contributing factors; however, data on the burden and correlates of NSP among adolescents in Southeast Asia remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of NSP among Thai high school students and identify independent risk factors associated with its occurrence, with a particular focus on screen time behaviors, anthropometric characteristics, and visual strain. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in June 2025 using a structured, self-administered online questionnaire among high school students aged 15–18 years across Thailand. The questionnaire collected data on demographic characteristics, digital device usage, lifestyle behaviors, and NSP symptoms, defined as neck or shoulder pain during or after screen use in the past seven days.

Of the 214 participants (54.7% male; mean age 16.42 ± 0.98 years), the prevalence of NSP was 86.9%. Univariable analysis identified significant associations between NSP and height, BMI category, daily screen time over six hours, tablet use, and eye strain. Multivariable logistic regression confirmed that height (mOR per cm: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.04–1.51), BMI in the normal (mOR: 9.47; 95% CI: 1.20–74.96) and overweight (mOR: 46.79; 95% CI: 1.22–1797.14) ranges, tablet use (mOR: 26.08; 95% CI: 2.70–252.16), and eye strain (mOR: 48.63; 95% CI: 6.98–338.65) were independent predictors of NSP, while screen time duration lost statistical significance after adjustment. These findings suggest that NSP is highly prevalent among Thai adolescents and is associated with modifiable behavioral and ergonomic risk factors. School-based interventions focusing on digital ergonomics, visual hygiene, and musculoskeletal health promotion are warranted to mitigate the burden of NSP in this population.

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Published

2025-09-16

How to Cite

Yan, C., Laisin, A., Jarottammarat, K. ., & Singmanee, C. . (2025). Prevalence and Risk Factors of Neck and Shoulder Pain Among Thai High School Students. Community Health Development Quarterly Khon Kaen University, 13(2), 106–128. retrieved from https://he05.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/CHDMD_KKU/article/view/6629

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 2 (2025): April - June

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Original Article

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