PREVALANCE OF NECK PAIN AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH SLEEP QUALITY IN RELATION TO PROLONGED SITTING AMONG COMPUTER DESK WORKERS IN UNIBEN
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Background/Purpose: Neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder among computer-based desk workers; however, its interaction with sedentary behaviour and sleep quality in the Nigerian context remains underexplored. This study investigated the prevalence of neck pain and its associations with sleep quality and prolonged sitting among computer-based staff of the University of Benin, Nigeria. The overarching aim was to elucidate occupational and behavioural determinants of neck musculoskeletal disorders and inform integrated ergonomic interventions.
Methods: A cross-sectional analytical design was employed involving non-academic desk workers engaged in prolonged computer use. Standardized self-administered instruments were utilized, including the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Oswestry Neck Disability Index (ONDI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire (SBQ), and an ergonomic self-assessment checklist. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27, with descriptive statistics summarising prevalence and exposure variables. Pearson’s correlation tested associations between continuous variables, while Chi-square analyses examined categorical relationships. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: A total of 281 participants were analysed. The 12-month prevalence of neck pain was 51.2%, and the 7-day prevalence was 41.3%. Mean PSQI scores (≈15.5) indicated very poor sleep quality, while average sedentary time was ≈345 minutes per day (≈5.75 hours). Neck pain severity correlated strongly with poor sleep quality (r = 0.799, p < 0.001) and modestly with sedentary time (r = 0.170, p = 0.004). Poor sleep was associated with short-term neck pain prevalence (p = 0.002). Despite access to ergonomic equipment, only 34.5% practiced proper posture and 23.1% took regular breaks.
Conclusion: Neck pain, poor sleep quality, and prolonged sitting constitute a multifactorial occupational triad among Nigerian desk workers. Interventions should prioritise ergonomic behaviour modification, structured movement breaks, and sleep-hygiene education to mitigate neck pain and enhance workplace wellbeing
Methods: A cross-sectional analytical design was employed involving non-academic desk workers engaged in prolonged computer use. Standardized self-administered instruments were utilized, including the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Oswestry Neck Disability Index (ONDI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire (SBQ), and an ergonomic self-assessment checklist. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27, with descriptive statistics summarising prevalence and exposure variables. Pearson’s correlation tested associations between continuous variables, while Chi-square analyses examined categorical relationships. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: A total of 281 participants were analysed. The 12-month prevalence of neck pain was 51.2%, and the 7-day prevalence was 41.3%. Mean PSQI scores (≈15.5) indicated very poor sleep quality, while average sedentary time was ≈345 minutes per day (≈5.75 hours). Neck pain severity correlated strongly with poor sleep quality (r = 0.799, p < 0.001) and modestly with sedentary time (r = 0.170, p = 0.004). Poor sleep was associated with short-term neck pain prevalence (p = 0.002). Despite access to ergonomic equipment, only 34.5% practiced proper posture and 23.1% took regular breaks.
Conclusion: Neck pain, poor sleep quality, and prolonged sitting constitute a multifactorial occupational triad among Nigerian desk workers. Interventions should prioritise ergonomic behaviour modification, structured movement breaks, and sleep-hygiene education to mitigate neck pain and enhance workplace wellbeing
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