Prevalence of posture problems among medical students and its impact on their daily lives

Background: Medical students engage in a large amount of sedentary activity, which has been associated to poor mental health outcomes. Poor postural patterns caused by a rise in this activity, combined with prolonged cell phone use, can contribute to poor posture in these young groups.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine how medical college students perceive their posture, the prevalence of pain patterns, psychological status, and their awareness of potential management choices.

Methods: A convenience sampling technique was used to conduct a cross-sectional survey of medical students at Mirpur University of Science and Technology's Physiotherapy Department in Mirpur, AJK. A questionnaire known as Q-BAPHYP (Questionnaire on Body Awareness and Postural Habits of Young People) was used.

Results: The study revealed that a significant percentage of participants exhibited suboptimal body postures in different environments, such as the classroom and home. These included sitting with a forward tilt, twisted upper body, and slipping buttocks. These findings highlight the importance of promoting better body posture habits.

Conclusion: The study discovered a high frequency of posture-related problems affecting daily functions. Future studies should assess severity using validated criteria and focus on offering education and rehabilitation programs to relieve pain and dysfunction. Implementing interventions and raising awareness can help to improve posture and general well-being.

Keywords: Posture, Musculoskeletal system, Lower back pain,