Prevalence and Risk Factors for Neck Pain and Low Back Pain Among College Students in Nigeria

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Neck Pain and Low Back Pain Among College Students in Nigeria | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Prevalence and Risk Factors for Neck Pain and Low Back Pain Among College Students in Nigeria Samuel Olawale, Tobi Olajide, Abigail Oyedokun, Ayomide Fatola, and 5 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4969741/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Objective Neck and back pain are common among healthcare students because they are exposed to prolonged hours of standing, inappropriate body posture while sitting, increased screen time- that is time spent on electronic gadgets, and decreased physical activities, all of which have adverse effects.The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of neck pain and low back pain among the college of medicine students in Ibadan, Nigeria, also assessing the risk factors for the development of these musculoskeletal pains. Materials and Methods A minimum number of 420 students, studying Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry, and Physiotherapy, and who were in their clinical level in their respective course of study in the College of Medicine, the University of Ibadan, Ibadan participated in the study. Participants were recruited for the study by Stratified sampling method and data were collected through self-administered standardised online questionnaires. Data Analysis The data were subjected to descriptive statistics and the responses were compared across demographic groups. The association between the sociodemographic variables, risk factors, disability scores, and coping mechanisms was assessed. Also, correlation coefficient was performed to test for association between coping strategies, pain score, disability score and depressive symptoms using Pearson correlation coefficient analysis. The confidence level was set at 0.05. Results Four hundred and twenty students were recruited for the study. The lifetime prevalence of neck and back pain was 74.5% and 76.6%, 12-month prevalence of 60.8% and 66.1%, and point prevalence of 15.1% and 18.7% respectively. The associated risk factors found were: sitting without back support (p= 0.06), prolonged study time (p= 0.43), using the computer (p= 0.08), use of smart phones (p= 0.01), posture assumed during lectures (p= 0.4), posture assumed during practicals (p= 0.36), prolonged sitting (p= 0.49), prolonged standing (p= 0.07), carrying heavy backpacks (p= 0.69), engaging in physical activities (0.9) and waking up to low back pain (0.04). Conclusion The prevalence of neck and low back pain among healthcare students is high and affects their everyday life. INTRODUCTION Pain is a major health problem globally ( 1 ). Musculoskeletal neck and back pain are some of the health challenges for healthcare professionals ( 2 ). Low back pain (LBP)is felt from the lowest border of the rib to the region of the gluteal fold which may radiate to the legs. It could be acute if less than six weeks or chronic if greater than six weeks ( 3 ). Neck pain (NP) is another culprit that has contributed to the rate of morbidity and also absenteeism from lectures worldwide. Studies have shown that musculoskeletal pain is more prevalent among workers in the health care system and is responsible for frequent absenteeism ( 4 ). Having neck pain has a considerable effect on the various aspect of an individual; their personal life and their community ( 5 ). In a cross sectional study carried out on the university students in Finland, the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was said to have increased from the year 2000 to 2012 with an increase in neck pain from 25–29% and lower back pain from 10–14%( 6 ). They contribute to disability and morbidity which result in a reduction in the effectiveness or overall academic performance of students ( 2 )( 5 ). Globally, neck and low back pain ranked the fourth leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALY). In 2015, over a third of a billion people worldwide had neck pain and about half a billion people had low back pain for more than three months duration ( 7 ). Among healthcare students, the prevalence of low back pain ranges from 38% to about 60% ( 8 )( 9 )( 10 ), and the 12-month prevalence ranges between 49–60%( 11 )( 12 ). Similarly, the prevalence of neck pain among undergraduates ranges between 48–78% prevalence of neck pain( 10 )( 13 ), and a 12-months prevalence of about 50% ( 5 ). Some risk factors associated with low back Pain (LBP) among students include inappropriate body posture especially while sitting, high body mass index, decreased physical activity, stress, sport( 11 )( 8 )( 9 ), prolonged standing or sitting ( 14 ), the weight of backpack( 12 )( 15 ), duration of computer and smartphone use( 16 )( 14 )( 17 )( 13 ). Others include the duration of reading, awkward neck posture, physical exercise and previous history of neck pain are significantly associated with neck pain( 5 ). The persistence of these factors can also influence the chronicity of the pain ( 8 ). Therefore this study aims to investigate the prevalence of neck and low back pain, and explore risk factors that affect the prevalence of these musculoskeletal pain (MSP) among the healthcare students across the different departments and grades METHODS AND MATERIALS Study Design and Participants The study adopted the cross-sectional design using web-based survey, and the ethical approval was received from our institution, UI/UCH ethic review board. The students for the study were recruited from undergraduates in their 1st to 5th clinical year, studying Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry, and Physiotherapy at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan Nigeria, which is one of the two largest college of medicine in the southwestern part of the country. The minimum sample size was determined to be 380 using the prevalence rate of 55% from Ayanniyi et al. and a confidence interval of 95%. The students were selected from each department at random using Excel. The survey was made anonymous and self-administered online with the link to the questionnaire sent to all the randomly selected students. WhatsApp (the most popular social media platform for students in the University) was used to send out the survey. Online informed consent was obtained from each participating student and they were informed that their participation would be totally voluntary. Students who met the following criteria were excluded from the study: History of neck or low back surgery in the past; History of trauma to the neck or lower back in the past; or History of mental or psychological illness. Data collection involved an online self-administered structured questionnaire, created using Google Forms. The questionnaire was divided into sections focusing on demographic characteristics, prevalence of pain, and risk factors related to neck and low back pain. Analysis was performed using STATA version 16.0. Descriptive statistics were executed on questionnaire items, including chi-square tests of independence to examine associations between demographic characteristics, knowledge of pain. The research instruments used included the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire for assessing the prevalence of pain. The Standardised Nordic Questionnaire assessed point prevalence (at the time of the questionnaire) and period prevalence (within the last 7 days of filling the questionnaire) for both neck pain and low back pain. The questions used to assess risk factors for neck pain and low back pain were adapted from questionnaires used by Ayanniyi et al. Study variables included demographics, social factors, physical activity, underlying diseases, and psychosocial conditions. In addition, quality control measures comprised pretesting the questionnaire, ensuring comprehensibility with appropriate instructions, and conducting the study in English. RESULTS Of the 420 college students recruited for this study, 337 completed the questionnaires yielding a response rate of 80.2%. Social demographic characteristics of the study population are described in Table 1. Regarding the age of the participants; 168(49.9%) were below 23 years, 158(64.9%) were between 24-29 years and 11(3.3%) were 29 years and above. 193 (57.3%) of the respondents were males while 144 (42.7%) were females. Most of the respondents (323, 95.9%) in this study were single at the time of this study. Participants were recruited from three major departments: Dentistry (60, 19.6%), Medicine and surgery (246, 80.4%), and Physiotherapy (31, 9.2%). Regarding the study, students from 300-600 levels were assessed. 257 (76.3%) of the respondents were Yoruba, 47 (14.0%) were Igbo while other tribes constituted about 9.8%. 290 (86.1%) of respondents practised Christianity, 41 (12.2%) practised Islamic religion while other religions constituted about 1.8%. Table 1 Sociodemographics N= 337 SOCIODEMOGRAPHICS FREQUENCY (%) Age group (years) <=23 168 (49.9) 24-29 158 (46.9) 29 and above 11 (3.3) Gender Female 144 (42.7) Male 193 (57.3) Marital status single 323 (95.9) Not single 14 (4.2) Department Dentistry 60 (19.6) Medicine and Surgery 246 (80.4) Physiotherapy 31 (9.2) Year of study 600 level 82 (24.3) 500 level 80 (23.7) 400 level 76 (22.6) 300 level 99 (29.4) Tribe Yoruba 257 (76.3) Igbo 47 (14.0) Others 33 (9.8) Religion Christian 290 (86.1) Muslim 41 (12.2) others 6 (1.8) The lifetime prevalences (table 2) are 251 (74.5%) and 258 (76.6%) respectively while the point time prevalence of neck and low back pain are 51 (15.1%) and 63 (18.7%) respectively. Two hundred and five (60.8%) and 223 (66.1%) prevalence were observed in the last 12 months for neck and back pain respectively while in the last 7 months, 89 (26.4%) and 111 (32.9%) were observed respectively. Table 2 Prevalence of Neck Pain and Low Back Pain N=337 PREVALENCE OF NECK PAIN YES (%) 95% confidence interval Have you any time had trouble (such as ache, pain, numbness etc) 251 (74.5) 69.5 – 78.9 Have you any time during the last 12 months had trouble (such as ache, pain, numbness etc) 205 (60.8) 55.5 – 65.9 Have you any time during the last 7 days had trouble (such as ache, pain, numbness etc) 89 (26.4) 21.9 – 31.4 While filling this questionnaire, do you have ache, pain, discomfort 51 (15.1) 11.7 – 19.4 PREVALENCE OF BACK PAIN Have you any time had trouble (such as ache, pain, numbness etc) 258 (76.6) 71.7 – 80.8 Have you any time during the last 12 months had trouble (such as ache, pain, numbness etc) 223 (66.1) 60.9 – 71.0 Have you any time during the last 7 days had trouble (such as ache, pain, numbness etc) 111 (32.9) 28.1 – 38.2 While filling this questionnaire, do you have ache, pain, discomfort 63 (18.7) 14.9 – 23.2 The perceived risk factors (table 3) for neck and low back pain observed among respondents include: sitting without back support (219, 78.8%), prolonged study time (217, 78.1%), using the computer (220, 79.1%), use of smartphones (189, 68.0%), the posture assumed during lectures (233, 80.2%), the posture assumed during practical (239, 84.0%), prolonged sitting (189, 68.0%), prolonged standing (216, 77.7%), carrying heavy backpacks (186, 66.9%), engaging in physical activities (164, 59.0%), waking up to the neck or low back pain (206, 74.1%) and smoking (27, 9.7%). Table 3 P e rceived Risk Factors For Neck And Low Back Pain N=278 RISK YES (%) 95% confidence interval Seats without back support 219 (78.8) 73.6 – 83.2 prolonged study time 217 (78.1) 72.8 – 82.6 using the computer 220 (79.1) 73.9 – 83.5 use of smart phone 189 (68.0) 62.2 – 73.2 posture assumed during lectures 233 (80.2) 75.1 – 84.5 posture assumed during practicals 239 (84.0) 81.4 – 89.6 prolonged sitting 189 (68.0) 62.2 – 73.2 prolonged standing 216 (77.7) 72.4 – 82.2 carrying heavy backpacks 186 (66.9) 61.1 – 72.2 engaging in physical activities 164 (59.0) 53.1 – 64.7 woken up to neck or low back pain 206 (74.1) 68.6 – 78.9 smoking 27 (9.7) 6.7 – 13.8 Factors associated with neck pain using the last 7 days pain are shown in table 4a; the prevalence of neck pain was highest among the respondents between the ages 24-29 (31.2%), female (39.8%), single (32.5%), physiotherapy students (46.2%), 400 level students (34.4%), respondents from tribes other than Yoruba and Igbo (37.0%) and Christians (34.2%). Other factors include sitting without back support (85.4%), prolonged study time (80.9%), using the computer (85.4%), use of smartphones (78.7%), the posture assumed during lectures (83.2%), the posture assumed during practicals (88.8%), prolonged sitting (65.2%), prolonged standing (84.3%), carrying heavy backpacks (68.5%), engaging in physical activities (58.4%) and waking up to neck pain (82.0%). Factors associated with low back pain using the last 7 days pain are shown in table 4b; the prevalence of low back pain was highest among the respondents between the ages 29 and above (50%), female (46.1%), physiotherapy students (57.7%), 4th-year students (47.5%), respondents from tribes other than Yoruba and Igbo (48.2%) and religions other than Christianity and Islam (80.0%). Others include sitting without back support (84.7%), prolonged study time (82.9%), using the computer (84.7%), use of smartphones (76.6%), the posture assumed during lectures (86.5%), the posture assumed during practicals (90.1%), prolonged sitting (72.1%), prolonged standing (88.3%), carrying heavy backpacks (67.6%), engaging in physical activities (59.5%) and waking up to low back pain (79.3%). However, regarding marital status, there was no difference between the prevalence of low back pain between singles and non-singles (40.0% in both cases). Table 4a Factors Associated With Neck Pain (Using The Last 7 Days Pain) N= 278 FACTOR NO (%) YES (%) P value Age (years) <=23 99 (68.8) 45 (31.2) 0.85 24-29 84 (66.7) 42 (33.3) 29 and above 6 (75.0) 2 (25.0) Gender Female 77 (60.2) 51 (39.8) 0.01 Male 112 (74.7) 38 (25.3) Marital status single 181 (67.5) 87 (32.5) 0.41 Not single 8 (80.0) 2 (20.0) Department Dentistry 29 (63.0) 17 (37.0) 0.16 Medicine and Surgery 146 (70.9) 60 (29.1) Physiotherapy 14 (53.9) 12 (46.2) Year of study 600 level 45 (67.2) 22 (32.8) 0.90 500 level 48 (71.6) 19 (28.4) 400 level 40 (65.6) 21 (34.4) 300 level 56 (67.5) 27 (32.5) Tribe Yoruba 141 (66.8) 70 (33.2) 0.35 Igbo 31 (77.5) 9 (22.5) Others 17 (63.0) 10 (37.0) Religion Christian 158 (65.8) 82 (34.2) 0.15 Muslim 27 (81.8) 6 (18.2) others 4 (80.0) 1 (20.0) Seats without back support No 46 (24.3) 13 (14.6) 0.06 Yes 143 (75.7) 76 (85.4) prolonged study time No 44 (23.3) 17 (19.1) 0.43 Yes 145 (76.7) 72 (80.9) using the computer No 45 (23.8) 13 (14.6) 0.08 Yes 144 (76.2) 76 (85.4) use of smart phone No 70 (37.0) 19 (21.4) 0.01 Yes 119 (63.0) 70 (78.7) posture assumed during lectures No 40 (21.2) 15 (16.7) 0.40 Yes 149 (78.8) 74 (83.2) prolonged standing No 48 (25.4) 14 (15.7) 0.07 Yes 141 (74.6) 75 (84.3) Engaging in physical activities No 77 (40.7) 37 (41.6) 0.90 Yes 112 (59.3) 52 (58.4) smoking No 171 (90.5) 80 (89.9) 0.88 Yes 18 (9.5) 9 (10.1) posture assumed during practicals No 29 (15.3) 10 (11.2) 0.36 Yes 160 (84.7) 179 (88.8) prolonged sitting No 58 (30.7) 31 (34.8) 0.49 Yes 131 (69.3) 58 (65.2) carrying heavy backpacks No 64 (33.9) 28 (31.5) 0.69 Yes 125 (66.1) 61 (68.5) woken up to neck pain in the last 7 days No 56 (29.6) 16 (18.0) 0.04 Yes 133 (70.4) 73 (82.0) TABLE 4b Factors Associated With Low Back Pain (Using The Last 7 Days Pain) N=278 FACTOR NO (%) YES (%) P value Age (years) <=23 86 (59.7) 58 (40.3) 0.82 24-29 77 (61.1) 49 (38.9) 29 and above 4 (50.0) 4(50.0) Gender Female 69 (53.9) 59 (46.1) 0.052 Male 98 (65.3) 52 (34.5) Marital status single 161 (60.1) 107 (40.0) 1.00 Not single 6 (60.0) 4 (40.0) Department Dentistry 22 (47.8) 24 (52.2) 0.02 Medicine and Surgery 134 (65.1) 72 (35.0) Year of study 600 level 44 (65.7) 23 (34.3) 0.19 500 level 36 (53.7) 31 (46.3) 400 level 32 (52.5) 29 (47.5) 300 level 55 (66.3) 28 (33.7) Tribe Yoruba 126 (59.7) 85 (40.3) 0.43 Igbo 27 (67.5) 13 (32.5) Others 14 (51.9) 13 (48.2) Religion Christian 142 (59.2) 98 (40.8) 0.06 Muslim 24 (72.3) 9 (27.3) others 1 (20.0) 4 (80.0) Seats without back support No 42 (25.2) 17 (15.3) 0.05 Yes 125 (74.9) 94 (84.7) prolonged study time No 42 (25.2) 19 (17.1) 0.11 Yes 125 (74.9) 92 (82.9) using the computer No 41 (24.6) 17 (15.3) 0.06 Yes 126 (75.5) 94 (84.7) use of smart phone No 63 (37.7) 26 (23.4) 0.012 Yes 104 (62.3) 85 (76.6) posture assumed during lectures No 40 (24.0) 15 (13.5) 0.032 Yes 127 (76.1) 96 (86.5) prolonged standing No 49 (29.3) 13 (11.7) 0.001 Yes 118 (70.7) 98 (88.3) Engaging in physical activities No 69 (41.3) 45 (40.5) 0.90 Yes 98 (58.7) 66 (59.5) smoking No 153 (91.6) 98 (88.3) 0.34 Yes 14 (8.4) 13 (11.7) posture assumed during practicals No 28 (16.8) 11 (9.9) 0.11 Yes 139 (83.2) 100 (90.1) prolonged sitting No 58 (34.7) 31 (27.9) 0.23 Yes 109 (65.3) 80 (72.1) carrying heavy backpacks No 56 (33.5) 36 (32.4) 0.85 Yes 111 (66.5) 75 (67.6) woken up to neck pain in the last 7 days No 49 (29.3) 23 (20.7) 0.11 Yes 118 (70.7) 88 (79.3) The impact of neck and low back pain is shown in table 5a. 34.8% of respondents with neck pain and 30.6% of respondents with low back pain report having depressive symptoms. The impact of neck and low back pain on disability shown in table 5b; neck pain caused mild (88.8%), moderate (10.1%) and severe disabilities (1.1%) while back pain also caused mild (88.3%), moderate (10.3) and severe disabilities (0.9%) among respondents. Table 5a Impact On Depression N=278 Neck pain depression score No Yes P value No depressive symptoms 155 (82.0) 58 (65.2) 0.002 Depressive Symptoms 34 (18.0) 31 (34.8) Back pain depression score No depressive symptoms 136 (81.4) 77 (69.4) 0.02 Depressive Symptoms 31 (18.6) 34 (30.6) Table 5b Impact On Disability N=278 Neck pain score No Yes P value Mild 184 (97.4) 79 (88.8) 0.01 Moderate 5 (2.7) 9 (10.1) Severe 0 (0.0) 1 (1.1) Back pain score Mild 165 (98.8) 98 (88.3) 0.001 Moderate 2 (1.2) 12 (10.8) Severe 0 (0.0) 1 (0.9) DISCUSSION Despite the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 and World Health Organization (WHO) reports ( 18 ), and coupled with the high prevalence of low back pain and neck pain in Africa ( 19 ), LBP and other musculoskeletal conditions remain less prioritized in LMICs, due to more pressing health issues like HIV/AIDS, enteric infections, tuberculosis, and the recent Coronavirus-19 pandemic ( 18 ). Of concern is that due to various epidemiologic challenges faced in various LMICs in Africa and the subsequent lack of accurate data, the true burden of low back and neck pain is still not well known. The prevalence of LBP and NP is high among healthcare students. A study examined musculoskeletal pain (MSP) prevalence among Chinese medical and dental students, and revealed high rates of NP at 44.4% and LBP at 30.6%. Despite limited trauma history, moderate pain frequency and severity were noted, significantly impacting daily life. Compared to earlier studies, the current research suggests an increased prevalence of NP in modern medical students, attributed to factors like reduced physical activity and prolonged smartphone use. Notably, senior-year medical students reported higher LBP rates, possibly linked to changes in study and work modes during clinical years ( 20 ). Dental students exhibited significantly higher MSP rates compared to medical students across NP, LBP, and joint pain (JP). This aligns with findings from international studies on dental professionals, attributing this trend to prolonged seated positions and fixed postures during clinical work. Risk factors for MSP encompassed age, sex, academic year, psychological conditions, and major, with joint pain notably affected by alcohol consumption. However, lifestyle factors like extended study hours and computer or phone usage didn't exhibit significant associations with MSP ( 20 ). Another cross-sectional study by Du et al conducted at an American medical school accredited by the LCME revealed a notably high prevalence of NP and LBP among medical students, reaching 54% ( 21 ). This prevalence is substantially higher when compared to the general population, where Strine et al. reported an NP prevalence of 1.8–3.7% and LBP prevalence of 15.0-15.9% in individuals aged 18–34 ( 21 ). Medical students reported various quality of life (QOL) issues associated with NP and LBP, including headaches and pain during activities like reading, standing, and sitting ( 21 ). There is a dearth of data addressing the prevalence of low back pain and/or neck pain and their associated risk factor in Africa. Studies have reported the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in undergraduate medical students of Serbia, France, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Nigeria ( 22 – 26 ). However, just a few studies from these explored the prevalence of neck pain and low back pain This study paid attention to the prevalence and risk factors of these musculoskeletal pains among medical students within our locality. The prevalences of low back pain and neck pain during the past one year in this study were 66.1% and 60.8% respectively, and these prevalence rates were higher than those reported in Serbian, Malaysian, Arabian, and Zimbabwean medical students, with a range of about 30% ( 22 – 26 ). The broad range could be attributed to differences in study sample size formula used, sampling technique as well as recall bias. Females had a higher preponderance to both low back pain and neck pain as this could be due to heightened pain sensitivity ubiquitous among the female counterparts ( 27 ). For the low back pain, we found no correlation between it and factors like age, gender, marital status, year of study, tribe, religion, seats without back support, prolonged study time, using the computer, engaging in physical activities, smoking, posture assumed during practicals, prolonged sitting, carrying heavy backpacks. This is similar to the findings reported by Vujcic et al ( 11 ) and Alshagga et al ( 26 ). Age, marital status, department, year of study, religion, seats without back support, prolonged study time, using the computer, posture assumed during lectures, prolonged standing, engaging in physical activities, smoking, posture assumed during practicals, prolonged sitting, carrying heavy backpacks, have no associations with the development of neck pain. In contrast, Ayanniyi et al ( 28 ) reported seats without back support during lectures, long reading hours, and posture assumed during lectures as the most perceived causes of neck pain among respondents. In this study, although the prevalence of neck pain across all years was fairly constant, the prevalence of low back pain was least in the third year, which is the most junior class of clinical school. Prevalence increased in the fourth and fifth years and then declined in the sixth year. This finding is consistent with the study conducted among medical and dental students at Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China by Lin Y et al., which reported an increasing prevalence of MSP with increasing student class grade but contrasted the results of a study conducted at Harvard among medical students by Jerry et al. where there is no significant difference between MSP among medical students of different grades ( 20 ). While the exact cause for such a trend is difficult to be identified, we believe that the already increasing curriculum pressure, along with hectic clinical rotations and preparation for medical board exams might be responsible. The decrease in prevalence among the finalists could be attributed to better stress-coping strategies; however, this requires further investigation. Associated Risk Factors with the Prevalence of Neck Pain and Low Back Pain The finding that smartphone use was significantly associated with both low back pain and neck pain among the respondents in this study highlights an important aspect of modern lifestyle contributing to musculoskeletal discomfort. It is noteworthy that a substantial percentage (68%) of participants perceived smartphone use as a risk factor for these pains, indicating a growing awareness of the potential impact of technology on their well-being. However, it is interesting to observe that while computer use was perceived as a risk factor for pain, its association was not statistically significant. Similar findings were reported by Lin et al in their cross sectional study amongst Chinese medical and dental students ( 20 ). The diverse range of postures associated with smartphone usage, including prolonged and awkward positions like bending the head forward, can strain the neck and back muscles. This is in contrast to computer use, often in ergonomic setups, which may offer more structured support. Additionally, the widespread and frequent use of smartphones in daily life intensifies strain due to longer durations and greater frequency, potentially contributing to the cumulative burden on neck and back muscles over time ( 29 ). Gender has been identified as a potential risk factor for neck pain in various studies ( 30 , 31 ). In this study, the prevalence of neck pain differed between genders, with a higher percentage of females (39.8%) experiencing neck pain compared to males (25.3%) in the last 7 days. The data showed that 39.8% of females reported neck pain within the last 7 days, while the corresponding percentage for males was 25.3%. Moreover, low back pain has a predilection for females, although not statistically significant in this study. This gender difference could be attributed to various factors such as differences in biomechanics, hormonal influences, and probable possibly variations in daily activities or postures. Further research could delve into the specific mechanisms underlying this gender-based disparity in neck pain prevalence and explore strategies for tailored intervention and preventive measures. Indeed, the department in which students are enrolled, along with their posture during lectures and prolonged standing, have been identified as risk factors for low back pain in this study. The data showed that certain departments, such as dentistry, had higher prevalence rates of low back pain. This was found by Lin Y et al., where they found higher prevalence of neck and low back pain among the dental students compared to medical students NP (49.1 vs. 41.4%, P = 0.01), LBP (34.6 vs. 28.1%, P = 0.02. This might have been exaggerated because of their small class size, compared to respondents in medicine and surgery. This could potentially be attributed to the occupational characteristics of dental students, who frequently find themselves required to sit or stand for extended periods while maintaining a consistent posture, particularly during the clinical practice. Additionally, poor posture during lectures and prolonged standing were associated with increased prevalence of low back pain. These findings suggest that academic and occupational factors, as well as ergonomics and postural habits, play a significant role in the development of low back pain among college students. Addressing these factors through awareness campaigns, ergonomic interventions, and educational programs could potentially mitigate the risk of low back pain in the student population. The inclusion of a large sample size of 420 college students (response rate of 80%) enhances the study’s generalizability to the entire students of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, and perhaps, what it is obtainable amongst healthcare students in the southwestern zone of Nigeria because of the shared educational characteristics. The study's comprehensive data collection and sampling technique, encompassing factors like demographics, risk variables, prevalence rates, and the consequences of pain on disability and mental health, furnishes a detailed and multifaceted perspective on the issue at hand. This holistic approach enriches the study's insights by encompassing a range of dimensions crucial to understanding pain prevalence among college students. The study's strengths also extend to its diversified participant composition from different academic departments, a trait that bolsters the representation of various student populations. Moreover, the study's longitudinal analysis, which examines pain prevalence across different temporal periods, provides nuanced insights into the evolving patterns of pain experiences. This dynamic perspective enriches the understanding of pain's fluctuations over time. Lastly, the study's integration of statistical analysis fortifies the robustness of its findings by identifying associations between risk factors, demographics, and pain prevalence. Together, these strengths collectively underscore the study's credibility and enrich the understanding of the prevalence and implications of neck and low back pain among college students. The study's limitations are also important to consider. Its cross-sectional design prevents the establishment of causal relationships between risk factors and pain outcomes, limiting the ability to determine whether identified factors directly contribute to neck and low back pain development or are merely correlated. Self-reported data reliance introduces the potential for recall and social desirability biases, possibly leading to inaccuracies in pain and risk factor reporting. Sample selection from specific departments could introduce selection bias, restricting the findings' generalizability to other disciplines or institutions and potentially underrepresenting diverse student experiences. Moreover, the study's focus on a single institution limits external validity, as the findings may not universally apply to students from different universities or cultural contexts within the country. Variances in institutional policies, cultural norms, and unaccounted environmental factors may affect neck and low back pain prevalence differently. Considering these limitations is crucial when interpreting the study's outcomes. Future research should explore causal relationships with longitudinal designs, address biases through objective measurements, broaden participant diversity, and include multiple institutions to yield a more comprehensive understanding of pain prevalence among college students. Also, further research should investigate the consequences of these MSP on the disability, mental health and academic performance of students as well as looking into the various coping strategies use by the students. Declarations Conflict of interest The authors do not have any conflicts of interest to declare concerning the content of the current manuscript. Ethics approval and consent to participate Ethical approval was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Ibadan/University College Hospital (UI/UCH) Ethics Committee IRB number UI/EC/22/0314 Consent for publication Consent was gotten from all participants Availability of data and materials All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests Funding No funding was received for this study. Authors’ Contributions SO conceptualized the study, S.O, T.O, A.O, A.F, D.O, E.O, S.O, A.A collected data, G.O analyzed the data. All authors wrote the first manuscript. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript. Acknowledgments Not applicable References Henschke N, Kamper SJ, Maher CG. The epidemiology and economic consequences of pain. Mayo Clin Proc. (2015) 90:139–47. 10.1016/j.mayocp.2014.09.010 Reis J, Ms MF, Atc R, Ms CK. 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The Global Spine Care Initiative: a systematic review of individual and community-based burden of spinal disorders in rural populations in low- and middle-income communities. Vol. 27, European Spine Journal. Springer Verlag; 2018. p. 802–15. Amelot A, Mathon B, Haddad R, Renault MC, Duguet A, Steichen O. Low Back Pain among Medical Students: A Burden and an Impact to Consider! Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2019 Oct 1;44(19):1390–5. Tavares C, Salvi CS, Nisihara R, Skare T. Low back pain in Brazilian medical students: a cross-sectional study in 629 individuals. Clin Rheumatol. 2019 Mar 14;38(3):939–42. Dighriri Y, Akkur M, Alharbi S, Madkhali N, Matabi K, Mahfouz M. Prevalence and associated factors of neck, shoulder, and low-back pains among medical students at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study. J Fam Med Prim Care. 2019;8(12):3826. Vujcic I, Stojilovic N, Dubljanin E, Ladjevic N, Ladjevic I, Sipetic-Grujicic S. Low Back Pain among Medical Students in Belgrade (Serbia): A Cross-Sectional Study. Pain Res Manag. 2018;2018. AlShayhan FA, Saadeddin M. Prevalence of low back pain among health sciences students. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2018 Feb 1;28(2):165–70. Behera P, Majumdar A, Revadi G, Santoshi J, Nagar V, Mishra N. Neck pain among undergraduate medical students in a premier institute of central India: A cross-sectional study of prevalence and associated factors. J Fam Med Prim Care. 2020;9(7):3574. Algarni AD, Al-Saran Y, Al-Moawi A, Bin Dous A, Al-Ahaideb A, Kachanathu SJ. The Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Neck, Shoulder, and Low-Back Pains among Medical Students at University Hospitals in Central Saudi Arabia. Pain Res Treat. 2017;2017. AlShayhan FA, Saadeddin M. Prevalence of low back pain among health sciences students. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2018 Feb 1;28(2):165–70. Kanchanomai S, Janwantanakul P, Pensri P, Jiamjarasrangsi W. Risk factors for the onset and persistence of neck pain in undergraduate students: 1-year prospective cohort study. BMC Public Health. 2011;11. Namwongsa S, Puntumetakul R, Neubert MS, Boucaut R. Factors associated with neck disorders among university student smartphone users. Work. 2018;61(3):367–78. Shin DW, Shin JI, Koyanagi A, Jacob L, Smith L, Lee H, Chang Y, Song TJ. Global, regional, and national neck pain burden in the general population, 1990-2019: An analysis of the global burden of disease study 2019. Front Neurol. 2022 Sep 1;13:955367. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2022.955367. PMID: 36119688; PMCID: PMC9477009. Louw QA, Morris LD, Grimmer-Somers K. The prevalence of low back pain in Africa: a systematic review. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2007 Nov 1;8:105. doi: 10.1186/1471-2474-8-105. PMID: 17976240; PMCID: PMC2198912. Lin Y, Zhang X, Li H, Huang Y, Zhang W, Zhang C. Musculoskeletal pain is prevalent in Chinese medical and dental students: A cross-sectional study. Front Public Health. 2022 Nov 24;10:1046466. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1046466. PMID: 36504985; PMCID: PMC9730812. Jerry YD, Alexander A, Joshua ES, Paul DK, Joseph TN, Darren RL. Neck pain and low back pain in medical students: a cross-sectional study. Int Arch Public Heal Community Med. (2017) 1:1–9. 10.23937/iaphcm-2017/1710002 Lim MC, Awang Lukman K, Giloi N, Lim JF, Salleh H, Radzran AS, et al. Landscaping work: work-related musculoskeletal problems and ergonomic risk factors. Risk Manag Healthc Policy. 2021;14:3411–21. Melese H, Gebreyesus T, Alamer A, Berhe A. Prevalence and associated factors of musculoskeletal disorders among cleaners working at Mekelle University. Ethiopia J Pain Res. 2020;13:2239–46. Okezue OC, Henry AT, Nene JJ, Okwudili JD. Work-Related musculoskeletal disorders among office workers in higher education institutions: a cross-sectional study. Ethiop J Health Sci. 2020;30(5):715–24. Ilic I, Milicic V, Grujicic S, Zivanovic Macuzic I, Kocic S, Ilic MD. Prevalence and correlates of low back pain among undergraduate medical students in Serbia, a cross-sectional study. PeerJ. 2021 Mar 8;9:e11055. doi: 10.7717/peerj.11055. PMID: 33732555; PMCID: PMC7950191. Alshagga MA, Nimer AR, Yan LP, Ibrahim IA, Al-Ghamdi SS, Radman Al-Dubai SA. Prevalence and factors associated with neck, shoulder and low back pains among medical students in a Malaysian Medical College. BMC Res Notes. 2013 Jul 1;6:244. doi: 10.1186/1756-0500-6-244. PMID: 23815853; PMCID: PMC3733931. Wáng, Y., Wáng, J., & Káplár, Z. (2016). Increased low back pain prevalence in females than in males after menopause age: evidences based on synthetic literature review. Quantitative Imaging In Medicine And Surgery, 6(2), 199-206. doi:10.21037/qims.2016.04.06 Ayanniyi, O., & Udofia, U. I. (2016). Prevalence and pattern of musculoskeletal pain among undergraduates from a Nigerian university. African Journal Online, Volume(8), pages 1-6. Maayah MF, Nawasreh ZH, Gaowgzeh RAM, Neamatallah Z, Alfawaz SS, Alabasi UM. Neck pain associated with smartphone usage among university students. PLoS One. 2023 Jun 23;18(6):e0285451. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285451. PMID: 37352232; PMCID: PMC10289365. Jiménez-Trujillo I, López-de-Andrés A, Del Barrio JL, Hernández-Barrera V, Valero-de-Bernabé M, Jiménez-García R. Gender Differences in the Prevalence and Characteristics of Pain in Spain: Report from a Population-Based Study. Pain Med. 2019 Dec 1;20(12):2349-2359. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnz004. PMID: 30789640. Palacios-Ceña D, Albaladejo-Vicente R, Hernández-Barrera V, Lima-Florencio L, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, Jimenez-Garcia R, López-de-Andrés A, de Miguel-Diez J, Perez-Farinos N. Female Gender Is Associated with a Higher Prevalence of Chronic Neck Pain, Chronic Low Back Pain, and Migraine: Results of the Spanish National Health Survey, 2017. Pain Med. 2021 Feb 23;22(2):382-395. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnaa368. PMID: 33164071. 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Musculoskeletal neck and back pain are some of the health challenges for healthcare professionals (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). Low back pain (LBP)is felt from the lowest border of the rib to the region of the gluteal fold which may radiate to the legs. It could be acute if less than six weeks or chronic if greater than six weeks (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). Neck pain (NP) is another culprit that has contributed to the rate of morbidity and also absenteeism from lectures worldwide.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStudies have shown that musculoskeletal pain is more prevalent among workers in the health care system and is responsible for frequent absenteeism (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). Having neck pain has a considerable effect on the various aspect of an individual; their personal life and their community (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). In a cross sectional study carried out on the university students in Finland, the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was said to have increased from the year 2000 to 2012 with an increase in neck pain from 25\u0026ndash;29% and lower back pain from 10\u0026ndash;14%(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). They contribute to disability and morbidity which result in a reduction in the effectiveness or overall academic performance of students (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e)(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGlobally, neck and low back pain ranked the fourth leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALY). In 2015, over a third of a billion people worldwide had neck pain and about half a billion people had low back pain for more than three months duration (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e). Among healthcare students, the prevalence of low back pain ranges from 38% to about 60% (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e)(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e)(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e), and the 12-month prevalence ranges between 49\u0026ndash;60%(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e)(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e). Similarly, the prevalence of neck pain among undergraduates ranges between 48\u0026ndash;78% prevalence of neck pain(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e)(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e), and a 12-months prevalence of about 50% (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSome risk factors associated with low back Pain (LBP) among students include inappropriate body posture especially while sitting, high body mass index, decreased physical activity, stress, sport(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e)(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e)(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e), prolonged standing or sitting (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e), the weight of backpack(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e)(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e), duration of computer and smartphone use(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e)(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e)(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e)(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e). Others include the duration of reading, awkward neck posture, physical exercise and previous history of neck pain are significantly associated with neck pain(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). The persistence of these factors can also influence the chronicity of the pain (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTherefore this study aims to investigate the prevalence of neck and low back pain, and explore risk factors that affect the prevalence of these musculoskeletal pain (MSP) among the healthcare students across the different departments and grades\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"METHODS AND MATERIALS","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStudy Design and Participants\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e The study adopted the cross-sectional design using web-based survey, and the ethical approval was received from our institution, UI/UCH ethic review board. The students for the study were recruited from undergraduates in their 1st to 5th clinical year, studying Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry, and Physiotherapy at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan Nigeria, which is one of the two largest college of medicine in the southwestern part of the country. The minimum sample size was determined to be 380 using the prevalence rate of 55% from Ayanniyi et al. and a confidence interval of 95%. The students were selected from each department at random using Excel. The survey was made anonymous and self-administered online with the link to the questionnaire sent to all the randomly selected students. WhatsApp (the most popular social media platform for students in the University) was used to send out the survey. Online informed consent was obtained from each participating student and they were informed that their participation would be totally voluntary. Students who met the following criteria were excluded from the study: History of neck or low back surgery in the past; History of trauma to the neck or lower back in the past; or History of mental or psychological illness.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eData collection involved an online self-administered structured questionnaire, created using Google Forms. The questionnaire was divided into sections focusing on demographic characteristics, prevalence of pain, and risk factors related to neck and low back pain.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnalysis was performed using STATA version 16.0. Descriptive statistics were executed on questionnaire items, including chi-square tests of independence to examine associations between demographic characteristics, knowledge of pain. The research instruments used included the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire for assessing the prevalence of pain. The Standardised Nordic Questionnaire assessed point prevalence (at the time of the questionnaire) and period prevalence (within the last 7 days of filling the questionnaire) for both neck pain and low back pain. The questions used to assess risk factors for neck pain and low back pain were adapted from questionnaires used by Ayanniyi et al.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStudy variables included demographics, social factors, physical activity, underlying diseases, and psychosocial conditions. In addition, quality control measures comprised pretesting the questionnaire, ensuring comprehensibility with appropriate instructions, and conducting the study in English.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"RESULTS","content":"\u003cp\u003eOf the 420 college students recruited for this study, 337 completed the questionnaires yielding a response rate of 80.2%. \u0026nbsp;Social demographic characteristics of the study population are described in Table 1. Regarding the age of the participants; 168(49.9%) were below 23 years, 158(64.9%) were between 24-29 years and 11(3.3%) were 29 years and above. 193 (57.3%) of the respondents were males while 144 (42.7%) were females. Most of the respondents (323, 95.9%) in this study were single at the time of this study. Participants were recruited from three major departments: Dentistry (60, 19.6%), Medicine and surgery (246, 80.4%), and Physiotherapy (31, 9.2%). Regarding the study, students from 300-600 levels were assessed. 257 (76.3%) of the respondents were Yoruba, 47 (14.0%) were Igbo while other tribes constituted about 9.8%. 290 (86.1%) of respondents practised Christianity, 41 (12.2%) practised Islamic religion while other religions constituted about 1.8%.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 1\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSociodemographics\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eN= 337\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOCIODEMOGRAPHICS\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFREQUENCY (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge group (years)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;=23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e168 (49.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24-29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e158 (46.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29 and above\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11 (3.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGender\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e144 (42.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e193 (57.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarital status\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003esingle\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e323 (95.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNot single\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14 (4.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDepartment\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDentistry\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60 (19.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMedicine and Surgery\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e246 (80.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePhysiotherapy\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31 (9.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYear of study\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e600 level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e82 (24.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e500 level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e80 (23.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e400 level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e76 (22.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e300 level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e99 (29.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTribe\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYoruba\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e257 (76.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIgbo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e47 (14.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOthers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33 (9.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReligion\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eChristian\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e290 (86.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMuslim\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41 (12.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eothers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6 (1.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lifetime prevalences (table 2) are 251 (74.5%) and 258 (76.6%) respectively while the point time prevalence of neck and low back pain are 51 (15.1%) and 63 (18.7%) respectively. Two hundred and five (60.8%) and 223 (66.1%) prevalence were observed in the last 12 months for neck and back pain respectively while in the last 7 months, 89 (26.4%) and 111 (32.9%) were observed respectively.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 2\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrevalence of Neck Pain and Low Back Pain\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eN=337\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePREVALENCE OF NECK PAIN\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYES (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95% confidence interval\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHave you any time had trouble (such as ache, pain, numbness etc)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e251 (74.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e69.5 \u0026ndash; 78.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHave you any time during the last 12 months had trouble (such as ache, pain, numbness etc)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e205 (60.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e55.5 \u0026ndash; 65.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHave you any time during the last 7 days had trouble (such as ache, pain, numbness etc)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e89 (26.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21.9 \u0026ndash; 31.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhile filling this questionnaire, do you have ache, pain, discomfort\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e51 (15.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.7 \u0026ndash; 19.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePREVALENCE OF BACK PAIN\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHave you any time had trouble (such as ache, pain, numbness etc)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e258 (76.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e71.7 \u0026ndash; 80.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHave you any time during the last 12 months had trouble (such as ache, pain, numbness etc)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e223 (66.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60.9 \u0026ndash; 71.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHave you any time during the last 7 days had trouble (such as ache, pain, numbness etc)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e111 (32.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28.1 \u0026ndash; 38.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhile filling this questionnaire, do you have ache, pain, discomfort\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e63 (18.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.9 \u0026ndash; 23.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe perceived risk factors (table 3) for neck and low back pain observed among respondents include: sitting without back support (219, 78.8%), prolonged study time (217, 78.1%), using the computer (220, 79.1%), use of smartphones (189, 68.0%), the posture assumed during lectures (233, 80.2%), the posture assumed during practical (239, 84.0%), prolonged sitting (189, 68.0%), prolonged standing (216, 77.7%), carrying heavy backpacks (186, 66.9%), engaging in physical activities (164, 59.0%), waking up to the neck or low back pain (206, 74.1%) and smoking (27, 9.7%).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 3\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ee\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003erceived Risk Factors For Neck And Low Back Pain\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eN=278\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRISK\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYES (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95% confidence interval\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSeats without back support\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e219 (78.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e73.6 \u0026ndash; 83.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eprolonged study time\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e217 (78.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e72.8 \u0026ndash; 82.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eusing the computer\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e220 (79.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e73.9 \u0026ndash; 83.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003euse of smart phone\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e189 (68.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e62.2 \u0026ndash; 73.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eposture assumed during lectures\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e233 (80.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e75.1 \u0026ndash; 84.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eposture assumed during practicals\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e239 (84.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e81.4 \u0026ndash; 89.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eprolonged sitting\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e189 (68.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e62.2 \u0026ndash; 73.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eprolonged standing\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e216 (77.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e72.4 \u0026ndash; 82.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ecarrying heavy backpacks\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e186 (66.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e61.1 \u0026ndash; 72.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eengaging in physical activities\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e164 (59.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e53.1 \u0026ndash; 64.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ewoken up to neck or low back pain\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e206 (74.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e68.6 \u0026ndash; 78.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003esmoking\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27 (9.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.7 \u0026ndash; 13.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFactors associated with neck pain using the last 7 days pain are shown in table 4a; the prevalence of neck pain was highest among the respondents between the ages 24-29 (31.2%), female (39.8%), single (32.5%), physiotherapy students (46.2%), 400 level students (34.4%), respondents from tribes other than Yoruba and Igbo (37.0%) and Christians (34.2%). Other factors include sitting without back support (85.4%), prolonged study time (80.9%), using the computer (85.4%), use of smartphones (78.7%), the posture assumed during lectures (83.2%), the posture assumed during practicals (88.8%), prolonged sitting (65.2%), prolonged standing (84.3%), carrying heavy backpacks (68.5%), engaging in physical activities (58.4%) and waking up to neck pain (82.0%).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFactors associated with low back pain using the last 7 days pain are shown in table 4b; the prevalence of low back pain was highest among the respondents between the ages 29 and above (50%), female (46.1%), physiotherapy students (57.7%), 4th-year students (47.5%), respondents from tribes other than Yoruba and Igbo (48.2%) and religions other than Christianity and Islam (80.0%). Others include sitting without back support (84.7%), prolonged study time (82.9%), using the computer (84.7%), use of smartphones (76.6%), the posture assumed during lectures (86.5%), the posture assumed during practicals (90.1%), prolonged sitting (72.1%), prolonged standing (88.3%), carrying heavy backpacks (67.6%), engaging in physical activities (59.5%) and waking up to low back pain (79.3%). However, regarding marital status, there was no difference between the prevalence of low back pain between singles and non-singles (40.0% in both cases).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 4a \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFactors Associated With Neck Pain (Using The Last 7 Days Pain)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eN= 278\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFACTOR\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNO (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYES (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eP value\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (years)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;=23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e99 (68.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e45 (31.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.85\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24-29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e84 (66.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e42 (33.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29 and above\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6 (75.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (25.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGender\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e77 (60.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e51 (39.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e112 (74.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38 (25.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarital status\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003esingle\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e181 (67.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e87 (32.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNot single\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8 (80.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (20.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDepartment\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDentistry\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29 (63.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17 (37.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMedicine and Surgery\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e146 (70.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60 (29.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePhysiotherapy\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14 (53.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12 (46.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYear of study\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e600 level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e45 (67.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22 (32.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e500 level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48 (71.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19 (28.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e400 level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40 (65.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21 (34.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e300 level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e56 (67.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e27\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e(32.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTribe\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYoruba\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e141 (66.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70 (33.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.35\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIgbo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31 (77.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9 (22.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOthers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17 (63.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10 (37.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReligion\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eChristian\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e158 (65.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e82 (34.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMuslim\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27 (81.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6 (18.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eothers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4 (80.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (20.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeats without back support\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e46 (24.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13 (14.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.06\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e143 (75.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e76 (85.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eprolonged study time\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e44 (23.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17 (19.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.43\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e145 (76.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e72 (80.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eusing the computer\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e45 (23.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13 (14.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.08\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e144 (76.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e76 (85.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003euse of smart phone\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70 (37.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19 (21.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e119 (63.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70 (78.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eposture assumed during lectures\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40 (21.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15 (16.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.40\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e149 (78.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e74 (83.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eprolonged standing\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48 (25.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14 (15.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.07\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e141 (74.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e75 (84.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEngaging in physical activities\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e77 (40.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37 (41.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e112 (59.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e52 (58.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003esmoking\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e171 (90.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e80 (89.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.88\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18 (9.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9 (10.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eposture assumed during practicals\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29 (15.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10 (11.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.36\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e160 (84.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e179 (88.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eprolonged sitting\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e58 (30.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31 (34.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e131 (69.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e58 (65.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ecarrying heavy backpacks\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e64 (33.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28 (31.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.69\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e125 (66.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e61 (68.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ewoken up to neck pain in the last 7 days\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e56 (29.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16 (18.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e133 (70.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e73 (82.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTABLE 4b\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFactors Associated With Low Back Pain (Using The Last 7 Days Pain)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eN=278\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFACTOR\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNO (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYES (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eP value\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (years)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;=23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e86 (59.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e58 (40.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.82\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24-29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e77 (61.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e49 (38.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29 and above\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4 (50.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4(50.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGender\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e69 (53.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e59 (46.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.052\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e98 (65.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e52 (34.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarital status\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003esingle\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e161 (60.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e107 (40.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNot single\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6 (60.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4 (40.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDepartment\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDentistry\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22 (47.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24 (52.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMedicine and Surgery\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e134 (65.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e72 (35.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYear of study\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e600 level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e44 (65.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23 (34.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e500 level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e36 (53.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31 (46.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e400 level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32 (52.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29 (47.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e300 level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e55 (66.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28 (33.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTribe\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYoruba\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e126 (59.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e85 (40.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.43\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIgbo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27 (67.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13 (32.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOthers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14 (51.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13 (48.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReligion\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eChristian\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e142 (59.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e98 (40.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.06\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMuslim\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24 (72.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9 (27.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eothers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (20.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4 (80.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeats without back support\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e42 \u0026nbsp;(25.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17 (15.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e125 (74.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e94 (84.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eprolonged study time\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e42 (25.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19 (17.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e125 (74.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e92 (82.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eusing the computer\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41 (24.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17 (15.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.06\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e126 (75.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e94 (84.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003euse of smart phone\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e63 (37.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26 (23.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.012\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e104 (62.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e85 (76.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eposture assumed during lectures\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40 (24.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15 (13.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.032\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e127 (76.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e96 (86.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eprolonged standing\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e49 (29.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13 (11.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e118 (70.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e98 (88.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEngaging in physical activities\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e69 (41.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e45 (40.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e98 (58.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e66 (59.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003esmoking\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e153 (91.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e98 (88.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14 (8.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13 (11.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eposture assumed during practicals\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28 (16.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11 (9.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e139 (83.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100 (90.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eprolonged sitting\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e58 (34.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31 (27.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e109 (65.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e80 (72.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ecarrying heavy backpacks\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e56 (33.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e36 (32.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.85\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e111 (66.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e75 (67.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ewoken up to neck pain in the last 7 days\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e49 (29.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23 (20.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e118 (70.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e88 (79.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe impact of neck and low back pain is shown in table 5a. 34.8% of respondents with neck pain and 30.6% of respondents with low back pain report having depressive symptoms. The impact of neck and low back pain on disability shown in table 5b; neck pain caused mild (88.8%), moderate (10.1%) and severe disabilities (1.1%) while back pain also caused mild (88.3%), moderate (10.3) and severe disabilities (0.9%) among respondents.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 5a \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImpact On Depression\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eN=278\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeck pain depression score\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYes\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eP value\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo depressive symptoms\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e155 (82.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e58 (65.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.002\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDepressive Symptoms\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e34 (18.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31 (34.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBack pain depression score\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo depressive symptoms\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e136 (81.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e77 (69.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDepressive Symptoms\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31 (18.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e34 (30.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 5b \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImpact On Disability\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eN=278\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeck pain score\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYes\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eP value\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMild\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e184 (97.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e79 (88.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eModerate\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5 (2.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9 (10.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSevere\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 (0.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (1.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBack pain score\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMild\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e165 (98.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e98 (88.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eModerate\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (1.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12 (10.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSevere\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 (0.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (0.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e"},{"header":"DISCUSSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eDespite the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 and World Health Organization (WHO) reports (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e), and coupled with the high prevalence of low back pain and neck pain in Africa (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e), LBP and other musculoskeletal conditions remain less prioritized in LMICs, due to more pressing health issues like HIV/AIDS, enteric infections, tuberculosis, and the recent Coronavirus-19 pandemic (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e). Of concern is that due to various epidemiologic challenges faced in various LMICs in Africa and the subsequent lack of accurate data, the true burden of low back and neck pain is still not well known.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe prevalence of LBP and NP is high among healthcare students. A study examined musculoskeletal pain (MSP) prevalence among Chinese medical and dental students, and revealed high rates of NP at 44.4% and LBP at 30.6%. Despite limited trauma history, moderate pain frequency and severity were noted, significantly impacting daily life. Compared to earlier studies, the current research suggests an increased prevalence of NP in modern medical students, attributed to factors like reduced physical activity and prolonged smartphone use. Notably, senior-year medical students reported higher LBP rates, possibly linked to changes in study and work modes during clinical years (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDental students exhibited significantly higher MSP rates compared to medical students across NP, LBP, and joint pain (JP). This aligns with findings from international studies on dental professionals, attributing this trend to prolonged seated positions and fixed postures during clinical work. Risk factors for MSP encompassed age, sex, academic year, psychological conditions, and major, with joint pain notably affected by alcohol consumption. However, lifestyle factors like extended study hours and computer or phone usage didn't exhibit significant associations with MSP (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e). Another cross-sectional study by Du et al conducted at an American medical school accredited by the LCME revealed a notably high prevalence of NP and LBP among medical students, reaching 54% (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e). This prevalence is substantially higher when compared to the general population, where Strine et al. reported an NP prevalence of 1.8\u0026ndash;3.7% and LBP prevalence of 15.0-15.9% in individuals aged 18\u0026ndash;34 (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e). Medical students reported various quality of life (QOL) issues associated with NP and LBP, including headaches and pain during activities like reading, standing, and sitting (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere is a dearth of data addressing the prevalence of low back pain and/or neck pain and their associated risk factor in Africa. Studies have reported the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in undergraduate medical students of Serbia, France, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Nigeria (\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR23 CR24 CR25\" citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e). However, just a few studies from these explored the prevalence of neck pain and low back pain\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study paid attention to the prevalence and risk factors of these musculoskeletal pains among medical students within our locality. The prevalences of low back pain and neck pain during the past one year in this study were 66.1% and 60.8% respectively, and these prevalence rates were higher than those reported in Serbian, Malaysian, Arabian, and Zimbabwean medical students, with a range of about 30% (\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR23 CR24 CR25\" citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e). The broad range could be attributed to differences in study sample size formula used, sampling technique as well as recall bias. Females had a higher preponderance to both low back pain and neck pain as this could be due to heightened pain sensitivity ubiquitous among the female counterparts (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor the low back pain, we found no correlation between it and factors like age, gender, marital status, year of study, tribe, religion, seats without back support, prolonged study time, using the computer, engaging in physical activities, smoking, posture assumed during practicals, prolonged sitting, carrying heavy backpacks. This is similar to the findings reported by Vujcic et al (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e) and Alshagga et al (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e). Age, marital status, department, year of study, religion, seats without back support, prolonged study time, using the computer, posture assumed during lectures, prolonged standing, engaging in physical activities, smoking, posture assumed during practicals, prolonged sitting, carrying heavy backpacks, have no associations with the development of neck pain. In contrast, Ayanniyi et al (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e) reported seats without back support during lectures, long reading hours, and posture assumed during lectures as the most perceived causes of neck pain among respondents.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn this study, although the prevalence of neck pain across all years was fairly constant, the prevalence of low back pain was least in the third year, which is the most junior class of clinical school. Prevalence increased in the fourth and fifth years and then declined in the sixth year. This finding is consistent with the study conducted among medical and dental students at Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China by Lin Y et al., which reported an increasing prevalence of MSP with increasing student class grade but contrasted the results of a study conducted at Harvard among medical students by Jerry et al. where there is no significant difference between MSP among medical students of different grades (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e). While the exact cause for such a trend is difficult to be identified, we believe that the already increasing curriculum pressure, along with hectic clinical rotations and preparation for medical board exams might be responsible. The decrease in prevalence among the finalists could be attributed to better stress-coping strategies; however, this requires further investigation.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec20\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAssociated Risk Factors with the Prevalence of Neck Pain and Low Back Pain\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe finding that smartphone use was significantly associated with both low back pain and neck pain among the respondents in this study highlights an important aspect of modern lifestyle contributing to musculoskeletal discomfort. It is noteworthy that a substantial percentage (68%) of participants perceived smartphone use as a risk factor for these pains, indicating a growing awareness of the potential impact of technology on their well-being. However, it is interesting to observe that while computer use was perceived as a risk factor for pain, its association was not statistically significant. Similar findings were reported by Lin et al in their cross sectional study amongst Chinese medical and dental students (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e). The diverse range of postures associated with smartphone usage, including prolonged and awkward positions like bending the head forward, can strain the neck and back muscles. This is in contrast to computer use, often in ergonomic setups, which may offer more structured support. Additionally, the widespread and frequent use of smartphones in daily life intensifies strain due to longer durations and greater frequency, potentially contributing to the cumulative burden on neck and back muscles over time (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGender has been identified as a potential risk factor for neck pain in various studies (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e). In this study, the prevalence of neck pain differed between genders, with a higher percentage of females (39.8%) experiencing neck pain compared to males (25.3%) in the last 7 days. The data showed that 39.8% of females reported neck pain within the last 7 days, while the corresponding percentage for males was 25.3%. Moreover, low back pain has a predilection for females, although not statistically significant in this study. This gender difference could be attributed to various factors such as differences in biomechanics, hormonal influences, and probable possibly variations in daily activities or postures. Further research could delve into the specific mechanisms underlying this gender-based disparity in neck pain prevalence and explore strategies for tailored intervention and preventive measures.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndeed, the department in which students are enrolled, along with their posture during lectures and prolonged standing, have been identified as risk factors for low back pain in this study. The data showed that certain departments, such as dentistry, had higher prevalence rates of low back pain. This was found by Lin Y et al., where they found higher prevalence of neck and low back pain among the dental students compared to medical students NP (49.1 vs. 41.4%, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.01), LBP (34.6 vs. 28.1%, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.02. This might have been exaggerated because of their small class size, compared to respondents in medicine and surgery. This could potentially be attributed to the occupational characteristics of dental students, who frequently find themselves required to sit or stand for extended periods while maintaining a consistent posture, particularly during the clinical practice. Additionally, poor posture during lectures and prolonged standing were associated with increased prevalence of low back pain. These findings suggest that academic and occupational factors, as well as ergonomics and postural habits, play a significant role in the development of low back pain among college students. Addressing these factors through awareness campaigns, ergonomic interventions, and educational programs could potentially mitigate the risk of low back pain in the student population.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe inclusion of a large sample size of 420 college students (response rate of 80%) enhances the study\u0026rsquo;s generalizability to the entire students of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, and perhaps, what it is obtainable amongst healthcare students in the southwestern zone of Nigeria because of the shared educational characteristics. The study's comprehensive data collection and sampling technique, encompassing factors like demographics, risk variables, prevalence rates, and the consequences of pain on disability and mental health, furnishes a detailed and multifaceted perspective on the issue at hand. This holistic approach enriches the study's insights by encompassing a range of dimensions crucial to understanding pain prevalence among college students.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study's strengths also extend to its diversified participant composition from different academic departments, a trait that bolsters the representation of various student populations. Moreover, the study's longitudinal analysis, which examines pain prevalence across different temporal periods, provides nuanced insights into the evolving patterns of pain experiences. This dynamic perspective enriches the understanding of pain's fluctuations over time. Lastly, the study's integration of statistical analysis fortifies the robustness of its findings by identifying associations between risk factors, demographics, and pain prevalence. Together, these strengths collectively underscore the study's credibility and enrich the understanding of the prevalence and implications of neck and low back pain among college students.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study's limitations are also important to consider. Its cross-sectional design prevents the establishment of causal relationships between risk factors and pain outcomes, limiting the ability to determine whether identified factors directly contribute to neck and low back pain development or are merely correlated. Self-reported data reliance introduces the potential for recall and social desirability biases, possibly leading to inaccuracies in pain and risk factor reporting.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSample selection from specific departments could introduce selection bias, restricting the findings' generalizability to other disciplines or institutions and potentially underrepresenting diverse student experiences. Moreover, the study's focus on a single institution limits external validity, as the findings may not universally apply to students from different universities or cultural contexts within the country. Variances in institutional policies, cultural norms, and unaccounted environmental factors may affect neck and low back pain prevalence differently.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsidering these limitations is crucial when interpreting the study's outcomes. Future research should explore causal relationships with longitudinal designs, address biases through objective measurements, broaden participant diversity, and include multiple institutions to yield a more comprehensive understanding of pain prevalence among college students. Also, further research should investigate the consequences of these MSP on the disability, mental health and academic performance of students as well as looking into the various coping strategies use by the students.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConflict of interest\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors do not have any conflicts of interest to declare concerning the content of the current manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Ethical approval was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Ibadan/University College Hospital (UI/UCH) \u0026nbsp;Ethics Committee \u0026nbsp;IRB number UI/EC/22/0314\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsent was gotten from all participants\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and materials\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;The authors declare that they have no competing interests\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo funding was received for this study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors’ Contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSO conceptualized the study, S.O, T.O, A.O, A.F, D.O, E.O, S.O, A.A collected data, G.O analyzed the data. All authors wrote the first manuscript. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgments\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eHenschke N, Kamper SJ, Maher CG. The epidemiology and economic consequences of pain. Mayo Clin Proc. (2015) 90:139\u0026ndash;47. 10.1016/j.mayocp.2014.09.010\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eReis J, Ms MF, Atc R, Ms CK. Journal of American College Health. (February 2015):37\u0026ndash;41.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eNg A, Hayes MJ, Polster A. Musculoskeletal disorders and working posture among dental and oral health students. Healthcare. 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Landscaping work: work-related musculoskeletal problems and ergonomic risk factors. Risk Manag Healthc Policy. 2021;14:3411\u0026ndash;21.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMelese H, Gebreyesus T, Alamer A, Berhe A. Prevalence and associated factors of musculoskeletal disorders among cleaners working at Mekelle University. Ethiopia J Pain Res. 2020;13:2239\u0026ndash;46.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eOkezue OC, Henry AT, Nene JJ, Okwudili JD. Work-Related musculoskeletal disorders among office workers in higher education institutions: a cross-sectional study. Ethiop J Health Sci. 2020;30(5):715\u0026ndash;24.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eIlic I, Milicic V, Grujicic S, Zivanovic Macuzic I, Kocic S, Ilic MD. Prevalence and correlates of low back pain among undergraduate medical students in Serbia, a cross-sectional study. PeerJ. 2021 Mar 8;9:e11055. doi: 10.7717/peerj.11055. PMID: 33732555; PMCID: PMC7950191.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAlshagga MA, Nimer AR, Yan LP, Ibrahim IA, Al-Ghamdi SS, Radman Al-Dubai SA. Prevalence and factors associated with neck, shoulder and low back pains among medical students in a Malaysian Medical College. BMC Res Notes. 2013 Jul 1;6:244. doi: 10.1186/1756-0500-6-244. PMID: 23815853; PMCID: PMC3733931.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eW\u0026aacute;ng, Y., W\u0026aacute;ng, J., \u0026amp; K\u0026aacute;pl\u0026aacute;r, Z. (2016). Increased low back pain prevalence in females than in males after menopause age: evidences based on synthetic literature review.\u0026nbsp;Quantitative Imaging In Medicine And Surgery, 6(2), 199-206. doi:10.21037/qims.2016.04.06\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAyanniyi, O., \u0026amp; Udofia, U. I. (2016). Prevalence and pattern of musculoskeletal pain among undergraduates from a Nigerian university. African Journal Online, Volume(8), pages 1-6.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMaayah MF, Nawasreh ZH, Gaowgzeh RAM, Neamatallah Z, Alfawaz SS, Alabasi UM. Neck pain associated with smartphone usage among university students. PLoS One. 2023 Jun 23;18(6):e0285451. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285451. PMID: 37352232; PMCID: PMC10289365.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eJim\u0026eacute;nez-Trujillo I, L\u0026oacute;pez-de-Andr\u0026eacute;s A, Del Barrio JL, Hern\u0026aacute;ndez-Barrera V, Valero-de-Bernab\u0026eacute; M, Jim\u0026eacute;nez-Garc\u0026iacute;a R. Gender Differences in the Prevalence and Characteristics of Pain in Spain: Report from a Population-Based Study. Pain Med. 2019 Dec 1;20(12):2349-2359. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnz004. PMID: 30789640.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePalacios-Ce\u0026ntilde;a D, Albaladejo-Vicente R, Hern\u0026aacute;ndez-Barrera V, Lima-Florencio L, Fern\u0026aacute;ndez-de-Las-Pe\u0026ntilde;as C, Jimenez-Garcia R, L\u0026oacute;pez-de-Andr\u0026eacute;s A, de Miguel-Diez J, Perez-Farinos N. Female Gender Is Associated with a Higher Prevalence of Chronic Neck Pain, Chronic Low Back Pain, and Migraine: Results of the Spanish National Health Survey, 2017. Pain Med. 2021 Feb 23;22(2):382-395. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnaa368. PMID: 33164071.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4969741/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4969741/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eObjective\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeck and back pain are common among healthcare students because they are exposed to prolonged hours of standing, inappropriate body posture while sitting, increased screen time- that is time spent on electronic gadgets, and decreased physical activities, all of which have adverse effects.The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of neck pain and low back pain among the college of medicine students in Ibadan, Nigeria, also assessing the risk factors for the development of these musculoskeletal pains.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials and Methods\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA minimum number of 420 students, studying Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry, and Physiotherapy, and who were in their clinical level in their respective course of study in the College of Medicine, the University of Ibadan, Ibadan participated in the study. Participants were recruited for the study by Stratified sampling method and data were collected through self-administered standardised online questionnaires.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Analysis\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe data were subjected to descriptive statistics and the responses were compared across demographic groups. The association between the sociodemographic variables, risk factors, disability scores, and coping mechanisms was assessed. Also, correlation coefficient was performed to test for association between coping strategies, pain score, disability score and depressive symptoms using Pearson correlation coefficient analysis. The confidence level was set at 0.05.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResults\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFour hundred and twenty students were recruited for the study. The lifetime prevalence of neck and back pain was 74.5% and 76.6%, 12-month prevalence of 60.8% and 66.1%, and point prevalence of 15.1% and 18.7% respectively. The associated risk factors found were: sitting without back support (p= 0.06), prolonged study time (p= 0.43), using the computer (p= 0.08), use of smart phones (p= 0.01), posture assumed during lectures (p= 0.4), posture assumed during practicals (p= 0.36), prolonged sitting (p= 0.49), prolonged standing (p= 0.07), carrying heavy backpacks (p= 0.69), engaging in physical activities (0.9) and waking up to low back pain (0.04).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusion\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe prevalence of neck and low back pain among healthcare students is high and affects their everyday life.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Prevalence and Risk Factors for Neck Pain and Low Back Pain Among College Students in Nigeria","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-09-04 06:17:12","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4969741/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"71f6d246-ea32-4f1d-adcf-539815c130eb","owner":[],"postedDate":"September 4th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-09-28T11:08:20+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-09-04 06:17:12","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-4969741","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-4969741","identity":"rs-4969741","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"qtupq5eGEP_6zYnWcrvyt","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}