Association between Smartphone Addiction and Functional Neck Disability among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Deepali Gupta, Khushboo, Pradum — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of smartphone addiction and analyze its relationship with functional neck disability among university students at Gopal Narayan Singh University.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from March to May 2026, involving 205 university students aged 17–30 years. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included demographic details, smartphone usage habits, the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) to assess addiction levels, and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) to measure functional impairment.

Results: The study revealed a high prevalence of smartphone addiction, with 67.3% (n = 138) of participants classified as "High Risk." Item-level analysis of the NDI indicated that "Moderate Disability" was the most frequently reported functional limitation (44.8%). A statistically significant positive correlation was identified between smartphone addiction scores and neck disability (Pearson r = 0.248, p < 0.001). Furthermore, a Chi-square analysis demonstrated a direct dependency between daily smartphone usage duration and neck disability (χ² (????²)= 31.11, p = 0.0019), with severe functional restrictions notably increasing when usage exceeded six hours daily. No statistically significant differences were observed between genders regarding smartphone addiction or neck disability levels.

Conclusion: The findings confirm a significant positive relationship between smartphone addiction and functional neck disability among university students. The compounding effect of prolonged daily usage on cervical spine health highlights the urgent need for ergonomic awareness, postural correction education, and interventions to promote balanced digital habits to prevent long-term musculoskeletal complications.

Comprehending the Dynamics of Multiple Newer Vaccine Introductions and Uptake in A High-Volume Private-Sector Model Immunization Clinic

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Introduction: Besides routine Universal Immunization Program (UIP) vaccines, the Indian Academy of Pediatrics Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunization Practices (IAP-ACVIP) has periodically recommended several additional non-UIP vaccines based on updated clinical evidence, for private sector practice in India, procurable out-of-pocket. While there are examples of ‘individual new vaccine’ post-introduction evaluations into existing immunization schedules, a hypothetical analysis of the dynamics of ‘multiple new vaccine’ introductions in quick succession - as recommended by the IAP-ACVIP, together with robust statistical data substantiating such analysis, is currently unavailable in India.

Materials and Methods: This paper tracks the chronology of successive introduction of several newer vaccines (as single/multiple doses and routine/optional) into existing IAP-ACVIP schedules, enumerates factors influencing their uptake, and captures data and time trends following their introduction into a high-volume community-level model immunization clinic catering exclusively to pediatric vaccination in a private sector tertiary care institution. All data presented and analysed are from manually entered, internally computed, and computerized records from years 2003 -2019.

Results: Newly introduced vaccines that find timeslots in an already existing schedule would disproportionately affect first, the overall number of injections delivered; whereas those that do not find such timeslots, on the contrary, would first disproportionately affect the overall number of child visits. Successive introduction of multiple vaccines with multiple schedules would shift the progression of the total number of child visits and the total number of injections delivered from the so-called ‘first order’ towards ‘zero order’ kinetics.

Conclusion: Understanding vaccine uptake dynamics would facilitate better programmatic preparedness for budget outlines towards vaccine supply and cold chain infrastructure, training and manpower for vaccine delivery and documentation, expected rates of adverse events following immunization, among others.

International Research in Medical and Health Sciences

Association between Smartphone Addiction and Functional Neck Disability among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Comprehending the Dynamics of Multiple Newer Vaccine Introductions and Uptake in A High-Volume Private-Sector Model Immunization Clinic