The Relationship Between Smartphone Use and Musculoskeletal Disorders Among People in a Local Area in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: The widespread use of smartphones has become an integral part of daily life, but prolonged and improper use has been associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Extended smartphone use may contribute to neck, shoulder, back, wrist, and hand pain due to poor posture and repetitive movements. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between smartphone use and musculoskeletal disorders among people in a local community in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 smartphone users aged 20–60 years in the Savar Thana area of Dhaka, Bangladesh, between August and November 2025. Participants were selected using a non-randomized purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through a pretested semi-structured questionnaire administered both face-to-face and online via Google Forms. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were performed using SPSS version 23.0 to analyze the data, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The majority of participants (56.7%) reported using smartphones for more than five hours per day, and 53.3% had been using smartphones for more than five years. Back pain (25.0%) was the most frequently reported musculoskeletal symptom, followed by neck pain (18.3%) and thumb pain (16.7%). Moderate pain was reported by 58.3% of respondents, while 66.7% experienced sleep disturbances associated with smartphone use. Significant associations were observed between smartphone usage patterns and musculoskeletal outcomes, including time spent using smartphones for non-calling activities (p = 0.038), pain type and physical symptoms (p = 0.028), duration of smartphone use and posture (p = 0.037), educational background and smartphone use (p = 0.027), and body weight and pain severity (p = 0.013). Conclusion: Prolonged smartphone use is associated with an increased prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly back, neck, and upper extremity pain. Promoting ergonomic smartphone use, maintaining proper posture, limiting continuous screen time, and increasing public awareness may help reduce the burden of smartphone-related musculoskeletal disorders.