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Peer-reviewedCC BY 4.0PLOS One

Clinically significant neck pain and tablet tilt angles in real-world educational settings: A nationwide cross-sectional study of university students

  • Saikaew Chuachan1
  • Jetsadakorn Thawornrattanachot
  • Jakrapan Sen
  • Nathaworn Chanpen
  • Narumon Roynarin
  • Nimit Kosura
  1. 1Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
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Abstract

Introduction: Tablet use has been steadily increasing, particularly among students. However, the long-term effects of tablet tilt on neck pain remain underexplored. Purpose: This study examined tablet tilt angles and factors associated with neck pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale; NRS ≥ 4) among university students. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate students using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: A total of 328 responses were collected from 17 universities, with 95% being complete. Participants were predominantly female, aged 21 (20,22) years old. The prevalence of tablet-related neck pain (NRS ≥ 4) was 42.17%. Fourth-year students had lower risk (aOR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.14–0.66), whereas 10° and 60° tablet tilt angles increased the risk (aOR = 3.93, 95% CI: 1.83–8.46; aOR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.15–7.51) with moderate predictive ability (AUC = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.63–0.75). Conclusions: Tablet tilt angles of 10° and 60° were associated with increased neck pain. Proper tablet positioning and posture are essential to reduce musculoskeletal strain.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{chuachan2026clinically,
  title = {{Clinically significant neck pain and tablet tilt angles in real-world educational settings: A nationwide cross-sectional study of university students}},
  author = {Saikaew Chuachan and Jetsadakorn Thawornrattanachot and Jakrapan Sen and Nathaworn Chanpen and Narumon Roynarin and Nimit Kosura},
  journal = {PLOS One},
  year = {2026},
  month = sep,
  doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0358968},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0358968},
  note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Clinically significant neck pain and tablet tilt angles in real-world educational settings: A nationwide cross-sectional study of university students
AU  - Saikaew Chuachan
AU  - Jetsadakorn Thawornrattanachot
AU  - Jakrapan Sen
AU  - Nathaworn Chanpen
AU  - Narumon Roynarin
AU  - Nimit Kosura
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/09/24
JO  - PLOS One
DO  - 10.1371/journal.pone.0358968
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0358968
AB  - Introduction: Tablet use has been steadily increasing, particularly among students. However, the long-term effects of tablet tilt on neck pain remain underexplored. Purpose: This study examined tablet tilt angles and factors associated with neck pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale; NRS ≥ 4) among university students. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate students using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: A total of 328 responses were collected from 17 universities, with 95% being complete. Participants were predominantly female, aged 21 (20,22) years old. The prevalence of tablet-related neck pain (NRS ≥ 4) was 42.17%. Fourth-year students had lower risk (aOR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.14–0.66), whereas 10° and 60° tablet tilt angles increased the risk (aOR = 3.93, 95% CI: 1.83–8.46; aOR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.15–7.51) with moderate predictive ability (AUC = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.63–0.75). Conclusions: Tablet tilt angles of 10° and 60° were associated with increased neck pain. Proper tablet positioning and posture are essential to reduce musculoskeletal strain.
SN  - 1932-6203
ER  -