Assessing the Prevalence of Self-Reported Backache and Neck Pain and Their Contributing Risk Factors Among Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Backache is a common concern, particularly within academic environments, and is one of the most frequent reasons for medical consultations after upper respiratory tract infections. Medical students, in particular, represent a demographic group that is highly susceptible to developing backache due to their unique lifestyle and academic demands. As a prevalent musculoskeletal complaint worldwide, backache significantly impacts both health and quality of life, affecting a wide range of individuals, including young adults such as university students. Aim This study aimed to assess the prevalence of backache and investigate its statistical association with demographic factors, stress, and study posture among medical students. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted with 452 undergraduate medical students from Ibn Sina Medical College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A convenience sampling technique was used to select students who reported backache. Data were collected through structured online questionnaires, covering demographic information; presence and location of back pain; onset; medical consultations; study positions; pain relief methods; relationship with stress; and duration of backache. Results The majority of the participants, 396 (87.6%), were females, of whom 348 (85%) reported experiencing backache, with 195 (50%) specifically reporting neck pain. Among those with backache, 148 (38%) studied in an office setting. No statistically significant correlation was found between backache and study positions (p = 0.125). However, a Chi-square analysis indicated a significant association between backache and being a female medical student (p = 0.001) or experiencing stress (p = 0.001). Conclusion This study emphasizes the high prevalence of backache among medical students and underscores the need for educational institutions and healthcare providers to address the associated factors. Further medical research can help create a healthier academic environment, as well as promote the well-being of future medical professionals.