MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN, ASSOCIATED FACTORS AND POSTURE PROFILES AMONG UNDERGRADUATES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, EDO STATE, NIGERIA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal pain is increasingly prevalent among undergraduate students, largely due to prolonged sitting, poor posture, and sedentary lifestyles. These factors, often overlooked, can significantly affect students’ health, academic performance, and overall quality of life. Understanding the pattern of musculoskeletal discomfort and related postural habits is
essential for effective prevention and early intervention.
AIM: This study comprehensively investigated the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (MSP),
the associated demographic factors, and the common posture profiles among university
undergraduates.
METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 undergraduates
using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Random sampling was used to select three
departments from seven faculties and three departments each from the selected faculty. A selfadministered
questionnaire adapted from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and
Postural Behavioural Questionnaire was used to collect data including Socio- Demographic Data.
Descriptive and inferential statistics of Pearson’s correlation and Chi-square were used to
summarize the data. Alpha level was 0.05.
RESULTS: The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among respondents was highest in the lower
back (45.5%), followed by the neck (37.9%) and shoulders (27.3%). Most participants reported
moderate pain (49.4%) lasting 1–3 days. While 78.2% demonstrated good postural practices, no
significant associations was found between posture and gender (p= 0.805), similarly, there was
no significant association between prevalence of low back pain in 7 days and postural profile
(p=0.083), similarly, no significant association was found between training on proper posture
habits and postural profile (p=0.722).
CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal pain is prevalent among undergraduates, particularly in the
lower back. Despite a high level of posture knowledge and good postural practices among
respondents, awareness alone may not be sufficient to reduce pain without behavioral changes.
Interventions focusing on active prevention strategies and sustained ergonomic education are
essential.
essential for effective prevention and early intervention.
AIM: This study comprehensively investigated the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (MSP),
the associated demographic factors, and the common posture profiles among university
undergraduates.
METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 undergraduates
using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Random sampling was used to select three
departments from seven faculties and three departments each from the selected faculty. A selfadministered
questionnaire adapted from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and
Postural Behavioural Questionnaire was used to collect data including Socio- Demographic Data.
Descriptive and inferential statistics of Pearson’s correlation and Chi-square were used to
summarize the data. Alpha level was 0.05.
RESULTS: The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among respondents was highest in the lower
back (45.5%), followed by the neck (37.9%) and shoulders (27.3%). Most participants reported
moderate pain (49.4%) lasting 1–3 days. While 78.2% demonstrated good postural practices, no
significant associations was found between posture and gender (p= 0.805), similarly, there was
no significant association between prevalence of low back pain in 7 days and postural profile
(p=0.083), similarly, no significant association was found between training on proper posture
habits and postural profile (p=0.722).
CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal pain is prevalent among undergraduates, particularly in the
lower back. Despite a high level of posture knowledge and good postural practices among
respondents, awareness alone may not be sufficient to reduce pain without behavioral changes.
Interventions focusing on active prevention strategies and sustained ergonomic education are
essential.
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