Gadgets and Sleep Problems are Causes of Neck Pain in Young Adults

Neck pain affects two-thirds of the population, disrupting daily activities. In young adults, it can reduce quality of life and productivity. While risk factors for neck pain are known, the impact of sleep quality and gadget use on its incidence in Generation Z is less studied. This study aimed to determine the effect of sleep quality and gadget use on neck pain in young adults. A cross-sectional, unpaired categorical comparative analysis was conducted on preclinical students of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pelita Harapan (class of 2020-2022). Neck pain incidence was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire; sleep quality was measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; and gadget use duration was evaluated with the Screen Time Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26 and Chi-Square analysis. A significant relationship was found between sleep latency and neck pain (P < 0.001; OR = 3.210), sleep disturbances and neck pain (P = 0.030; OR = 3.106), and gadget use duration on weekdays and neck pain (P = 0.048; OR = 1.781). Sleep latency, sleep disturbances, and the duration of gadget use are significantly associated with neck pain in young adults.