Authors
- . Uchenwoke Chigozie Ikenna 1
- . Loveth Nwuka Nwobodo 2
- . Antoninus Obinna Ezeukwu 2
- . Ijeoma Judith Ilo 3
- . Stephen Sunday Ede 4
- . Adaora Justina Okemuo 1
- . Chisom Favour Okoh 1
1 Department of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria,
2 Department of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Nigeria, Enugu Ca
3 Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria,
4 Department of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria Department of Physiotherapy, Gregory University Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria, School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Academic stress is a common experience among university students. It can affect
the body composition of the students through behavioral changes, which further affect their physical
activity level (PAL). Musculoskeletal disorders could arise from the interaction of these factors. This
study aimed to determine the relationship between PAL, academic stress, selected anthropometric
indices, and the development of MSDs among a selected Nigerian population.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross‑sectional study of 256 (129 females and 127 males)
undergraduates of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus aged 15–30 years using Student’s
Stress Inventory to evaluate academic stress, the short‑form of the International Physical Activity
Questionnaire to determine the PAL, and a Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to
assess MSDs.
RESULTS: The results showed a high PAL with the male students having more PAL (61.4%) than
female students. Secondly, the prevalence of MSDs among the population was high (66.02%)
and the students faced moderate academic stress with the prevalence being more among the
female students (75.2%). A significant difference was observed between academic stress and the
development of MSDs (P = 0.009).
CONCLUSION: This study’s findings support the hypothesis that increased academic stress and low
level of physical activity are linked to increased risks of MSDs among students. Thus, it is warranted
that the University curriculum is re‑adjusted and incorporate public enlightenment programs on
possible causes and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, stress management, and coping
strategies.
Keywords
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