Swipe smart, not hard: hand health of smartphone users in a university population

Despite widespread smartphone use, research on its impact on musculoskeletal health among lower-dependence European populations remains limited. This cross-sectional study explored smartphone-related hand symptoms among 585 Portuguese university students across 14 faculties. Participants completed an online survey including sociodemographic data, smartphone-use patterns, the Mobile Phone Dependence Test (TMD) and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score. Nearly 60% reported hand symptoms, mostly pain and tingling. Increased TMD scores and symptom frequency were significantly associated with greater functional disability (p < 0.001), although daily usage and device features were not. Women experienced higher disability (β = 3.64, 95% CI [1.81–5.49]), with twice the odds of symptoms compared with men (OR = 2.41, 95% CI [1.22–4.78]). One-handed device uses also markedly increased symptom risk. These findings highlight the prevalence and functional impact of smartphone-related hand symptoms and advocate for ergonomic interventions promoting early symptom recognition and two-handed use.