Investigation of factors related to neck PAİN in university students

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between pain, functionality, physical activity level, sleep quality, fatigue severity, technology usage, and anxiety in university students with subjective neck pain and compare them with individuals without neck pain. A total of 474 individuals, 103 men, and 371 women, aged 18-25 years, studying at the Vocational School of Health Services, were included in the study. Individuals were divided into two groups individuals with neck pain (n=166) and individuals without neck pain (n=308) according to the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The study was conducted via "Google Forms". The Numerical Pain Scale was used to measure the pain severity of the neck pain group. Functional status of individuals was evaluated with Neck Disability Index; physical activity level with International Physical Activity Scale Short Form; sleep quality with Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index; fatigue severity with Fatigue Severity Scale, technology addiction was evaluated with the Smartphone Addiction Scale and anxiety level was evaluated with the State-Trait Anxiety Scale. Age, body mass index, smoking habit, and analgesic use of the individuals were similar in both groups (p>0.05). There was a difference between the groups in terms of gender and weight-bearing (p<0.05). In the study, a significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of functional status, sleep quality, the severity of fatigue, technology addiction, and trait anxiety (p<0.05). Physical activity level and state anxiety values were similar between the groups (p>0.05). A weak positive correlation was found between pain intensity and physical activity level (p<0.05). There was no relationship between pain severity and functional status, sleep quality, fatigue severity, technology use, and anxiety levels (p>0.05). As a result; individuals with neck pain had lower functional status and sleep quality; and had higher fatigue severity, technology addiction, and anxiety levels. Pain intensity was not associated with other factors. We think that the evaluation and early determination of the factors that may be related to neck pain in university students will be a guide for physiotherapy.