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Introduction Smartphones are widely utilized by individuals on a daily basis for a variety of activities, including communication, web browsing, and gaming. However, the excessive and prolonged use of these devices often leads to adverse effects on musculoskeletal health. This study aimed to assess the effect of mobile phone use on musculoskeletal complaints among nursing students at Northern Border University. Methods An analytical descriptive study was conducted using a convenience sample of 202 nursing students recruited via a Google survey questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised four sections concerning the students' demographics, smartphone data collection tools, the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS-SV), and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Results Among the study participants, 62.6% were females, with 52.4% spending more than 5 hours daily on media and technology usage, often extending into bedtime. In the last 12 months, neck pain was the most prevalent complaint, reported by 38.8% of the participants, followed by shoulder pain experienced by 20.3% of the sample. Notably, female students displayed a significantly higher incidence of musculoskeletal pain, with rates as high as 81.7% showing statistical significance (p<0.001). A significant association was also observed between mobile phone addiction and academic grade, as well as the time spent on media and technology usage daily (p<0.001). Conclusions There is a significant association between mobile phone use and discomfort in the musculoskeletal system, particularly in the neck region. Moreover, female students tend to experience more pronounced musculoskeletal discomfort compared to their male counterparts. The study also suggests that extended usage of mobile phones, especially at bedtime, increases the likelihood of experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort.
RESUMO
Background Although botulinum toxin (BTX) has mainly been used cosmetically and therapeutically, its field of application is expanding. So far, BTX has shown promising outcomes in the management of a wide variety of medical conditions that are difficult to treat. Objectives We assessed physicians' knowledge and experience regarding the non-cosmetic use of BTX in different clinical settings. Methods This is a cross-sectional survey that was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and included physicians from different specialties, with different levels of training, and from different working hospitals. Data were collected by using a self-administered survey to assess physicians' knowledge, experience, current practice, and specific training in relation to Botox administration for non-cosmetic use. Results Most participants were residents (76.19%) and specialized in internal medicine (27.62%). The majority worked in governmental hospitals (76.19%). About 73% of our sample were aware of the non-cosmetic indications of BTX, but only 44% and 55% were aware of its contraindications and adverse effects, respectively. Less than one-third (31%) of respondents administered BTX injections in their clinical practice, and about 66% of respondents had two to five years of experience giving BTX injections. The most commonly treated conditions were spastic disorders, dystonia, and then migraine. Only 4.7% and 3.6% used validated scales or instruments for planning treatment with BTX, respectively, while about 36% opted for clinical evaluation only. More experience and training in giving BTX injections significantly predicted increased awareness of adverse effects and contraindications of non-cosmetic uses. Conclusions The majority of specialty groups in our sample were aware of the non-cosmetic applications of botulinum toxin but did not use them to the same extent in their practice. Additionally, only a minority wished for further education on injection practices. The finding of insufficient knowledge about contraindications and the adverse effects of injections in a large number of participants, however, highlights the need for increased education, especially given the wide range of non-cosmetic applications and benefits that BTX can have for a variety of diseases.
