THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE DURATION OF PLAYING GADGETS AND THE INCIDENCE OF NECKPAIN (NECK PAIN) IN ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

The use of gadgets for a long duration, especially more than four hours per day, increases the risk of neck pain in adolescents due to unergonomic posture. This study aims to analyze the relationship between the duration of playing gadgets and the incidence of neck pain in adolescents at Walisongo Gempol High School. The study used a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional  design on 143 respondents who were selected using purposive sampling techniques. The duration of playing gadgets was measured using  a self-report questionnaire, while neck pain was assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Data analysis used the Spearman Rank test with a significance level of 5%. The results showed that 62.2% of respondents used gadgets for more than four hours per day and most experienced  mild to moderate neck pain. There was a significant positive relationship between the duration of playing gadgets and the incidence of neck pain (p<0.001; r=0.601). Limiting the duration of using gadgets as well as the application of ergonomic posture are necessary to reduce the risk of neck pain in adolescents.