The Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome in 15-80 years old Population of Kerman: The Role of Smart Phone Use and its Related Factors

Musculoskeletal pain syndromes (MSPS) are among the most common disorders of societies today. Excessive use and inappropriate posture when using mobile phones seem to play a role in MSPS. In this study, the relationship between mobile phones use and MSPS and its predictive factors in southeastern Iran, Kerman, was investigated. This cross-sectional community-based study was performed on 1,135 people aged 15-80 years. A questionnaire containing demographic information, risk factors, musculoskeletal pain (types and symptoms), cell phone models, and the duration and how to use mobile phone in the preceding year, was completed. 51.1% of the participants were male. The overall prevalence of MSP was 71.30%, which was higher in female subjects (86.5%) than male subjects (56.7%). The risk of MSPS in people who used a smartphone was 45% higher than those who did not use a smartphone (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.45, 95% CI: 0.98-3.1). The AOR was 2.02 (1.36-3.01) in female subjects relative to male subjects and reached 2.38 (1.50-3.76) in the age group over 55 years. The AOR was 1.98 (95% CI: 1.05-3.73) in diabetic and depressed individuals, 1.65 (1.22-2.23) in obese people, 1.63 (1.12-2.36) in hypertensive individuals, 1.55 (1.23-1.96) in anxious individuals, 1.94 (1.1-3.35) in employed people, 3.08 (1.53-6.22) in housewives, and 0.68 (0.47-0.98) in people with high physical activity. 71% of the sample population of Kerman suffered from MSPS. The use of smartphones has contributed to this syndrome, and female gender, age, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, anxiety, depression, low physical activity, and being employed have exacerbated the disease. Taking educational measures regarding the rate of use and body position when using mobile phones is necessary.