Scrolling into Disability: The Effect of Screen Time and Posture Habits in Neck Disability among Colleges Students

Background: Prolonged use of digital devices is common among college students and has been associated with neck pain and forward head posture. However, the independent contribution of objectively measured screen time and craniovertebral angle (CVA) to neck disability remains unclear. Aim: To investigate the relationships between screen time, forward head posture, neck pain intensity, and neck disability among health college students at Buraydah Private Colleges, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross‑sectional study was conducted on 213 undergraduate students (nursing and physical therapy). Screen time was extracted from Digital Well‑being/Screen Time features. Forward head posture was quantified by measuring the CVA using a universal goniometer. Neck pain intensity was recorded with a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and neck disability with the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated from measured height and weight. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi‑square tests, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression. Results: Mild to moderate neck disability was present in 24.4% of participants (10.8% mild, 13.6% moderate). More than half (54.5%) used screens for ≥8 hours/day, and 55% exhibited CVA ≤ 50° (forward head posture). Bivariate analyses showed significant associations between neck disability and age, specialty, BMI, and screen time (p < 0.05). No significant association was found between CVA and NDI (p = 0.073). Correlations among screen time, CVA, and VAS were weak and non‑significant. Multiple linear regression revealed that none of the variables independently predicted neck disability (R² = 0.034, p = 0.287). Conclusion: Neck disability among health students is multifactorial, with no single dominant predictor. High screen time and forward head posture are common but do not independently cause disability in isolation. Holistic interventions addressing ergonomics, physical activity, and psychosocial factors are recommended. Keywords: Neck disability; screen time; forward head posture; craniovertebral angle; college students; Digital Well‑being Neck Disability Index. Title: Scrolling into Disability: The Effect of Screen Time and Posture Habits in Neck Disability among Colleges Students Author: Mohamed Mohamed Mashaly, Khaled Mohamed Alinze, Islam H. Fayed International Journal of Novel Research in Healthcare and Nursing ISSN 2394-7330 Vol. 13, Issue 2, May 2026 - August 2026 Page No: 1-14 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 19-May-2026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20286445 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/Scrolling%20into%20Disability%20The%20Effect-19052026-5.pdf