Novita Sari, Lili Eky Nursiah N, Eva Flourentina Kusumawardani, Jun Musnadi Is, Dian Fera

The Relationship Between Sitting Posture When Using Digital Devices and the Risk of Low Back Pain in Final Year Students

Introduction

The relationship between sitting posture when using digital devices and the risk of low back pain in final year students. Discover the significant link between non-ergonomic sitting posture with digital devices and low back pain (LBP) risk in students. Adopt ergonomic habits to prevent LBP.

Abstract

Background: Low Back Pain (LBP) refers to discomfort in the lower back and is recognized as the leading cause of global disability, with 619 million cases reported in 2020. This number is expected to rise as students become increasingly dependent on digital devices due to technological advancements. Non-ergonomic sitting postures while using laptops or smartphones may increase spinal pressure and contribute to functional impairments. This study aims to examine the relationship between sitting posture when using digital devices and the risk of LBP among final-year Public Health students. Method: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with 117 respondents selected through simple random sampling from a population of 168 students. Sitting posture was assessed using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method, and the risk of LBP was measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire. Results: The results showed that most students adopted non-ergonomic sitting postures (60.7%), with the highest proportion experiencing moderate disability (41.9%). Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between sitting posture and LBP risk (P = 0.00). Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between sitting posture and the risk of LBP among students. Poor posture increases the likelihood of functional limitations due to back pain. It is recommended that students adopt ergonomic sitting habits and perform regular stretching to reduce LBP risk. These findings may serve as a reference for developing targeted health promotion and prevention strategies within the university setting.

Review

This study addresses a highly pertinent issue concerning the relationship between sitting posture while using digital devices and the risk of low back pain (LBP) among final-year university students. Given the global prevalence of LBP and the increasing reliance on digital technology, the research tackles a critical public health challenge. The authors effectively demonstrate that a significant majority of students adopt non-ergonomic postures, which is strongly associated with a higher risk of LBP, as indicated by a compelling statistical association (P=0.00). The findings provide a clear and timely alert regarding the postural habits of students and underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions. The methodological approach, employing the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) for posture and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for LBP risk, utilizes validated and standardized tools, enhancing the reliability of the data collected. The use of simple random sampling from the defined student population also strengthens the internal validity and generalizability within that specific group. However, as a cross-sectional study, it establishes an association rather than causation; it cannot definitively conclude that poor posture *causes* LBP, only that they frequently occur together. While the P-value is highly significant, the absence of an effect size or correlation coefficient in the abstract limits the understanding of the magnitude and direction of this relationship. Furthermore, the abstract lacks detail on the specific method of REBA assessment (e.g., direct observation, video analysis), which can impact the objectivity and consistency of posture evaluation. The study's conclusions are direct and offer practical recommendations, such as adopting ergonomic sitting habits and performing regular stretching, which are valuable for immediate application in university health promotion strategies. These findings serve as an excellent foundation for developing preventive measures within academic settings. For future research, a longitudinal study design would be instrumental in elucidating the causal pathway between postural changes over time and the onset or progression of LBP. Additionally, expanding the scope to investigate specific variables like the type of digital device, duration of use, and the influence of environmental factors (e.g., workstation ergonomics) could provide a more comprehensive understanding. Future investigations could also benefit from including a more diverse student population or other demographics to broaden the applicability and public health impact of these important findings.

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