Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and its associated risk factors in touchscreen tablet computer users

Objective: To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and its associated risk factors in touchscreen tablet computer users. Methodology: This observational study was conducted among 201 undergraduate students from The University of Lahore. Tablet computer usage, posture during use, neck, shoulder and upper extremity symptoms and associated risk factors were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Results: Prevalence of symptoms related to musculoskeletal system during tablet use was 74.6%. Symptoms in neck were 46.3%, upper back and shoulder 37.3% and arm and hand 15.4%. Important factor related to symptoms was posture. Conclusion: Postural factors were the most common cause for development of symptoms related to musculoskeletal with the use of tablet.