PREVALENCE AND IMPACT OF TEXT NECK SYNDROME AMONG YOUNG ADULTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF SMARTPHONE USAGE IN SABARKANTHA DISTRICT, GUJARAT

Background: Text Neck Syndrome (TNS) is a growing health concern related to the widespread use of smartphones, particularly among young adults. TNS is characterized by musculoskeletal discomfort in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, often caused by prolonged forward head posture during smartphone use. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of TNS and its association with smartphone usage duration among young adults aged 18-30 years in Sabarkantha district, Gujarat, India. The study sought to assess the severity of musculoskeletal symptoms in relation to smartphone usage habits and posture. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 500 participants randomly selected from both urban and rural areas of Sabarkantha. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire that assessed their daily smartphone usage, types of activities performed, posture during use, and presence of musculoskeletal symptoms such as neck pain, shoulder discomfort, and headaches. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with chi-square tests and regression analysis to explore correlations between smartphone use and symptom severity. Results: The study found that 75% of participants reported experiencing symptoms of TNS, with 60% experiencing neck pain, 50% shoulder discomfort, and 55% headaches. Severity of symptoms was positively correlated with smartphone usage duration, with those using phones for more than 6 hours per day reporting more severe symptoms. Urban participants reported a higher prevalence of TNS compared to rural participants. Conclusions: TNS is prevalent among young adults, particularly those engaging in prolonged smartphone use. Public health campaigns should focus on ergonomic interventions, proper posture, and the importance of taking regular breaks to reduce the risk of TNS.