Wrist Pain, Technological Device Use, and Perceived Academic Performance Among Computer Studies Students in a Selected Higher Educational Institution

Abstract

Background: The increasing reliance on technological devices in higher education, particularly in computer-related academic programs, has raised concerns regarding the development of musculoskeletal complaints such as wrist pain. Prolonged use of laptops, desktops, and handheld devices may contribute to repetitive strain and discomfort, potentially affecting students’ functional capacity and academic engagement. However, limited evidence exists regarding the relationship between wrist pain, device usage patterns, and academic performance among students in technology-intensive programs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of wrist pain, describe patterns of technological device use, and examine their association with perceived academic performance among College of Computer Studies (CCS) students. Methods: A descriptive-correlational and comaparative cross-sectional design was employed. Data were collected from 180 CCS students using structured, self-administered online questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. The survey assessed wrist pain prevalence, frequency and type of technological device used, and perceived academic performance measured on a Likert scale. Spearman’s rank-order correlation was used to examine the association between wrist pain and device use frequency, while an idependent samples t-test compared academic performance between students with and without wrist pain. Results: Wrist pain prevalence was 40.55% among respondents, with laptops/desktops identified as the most frequently used devices. Most students rated their academic performance as “good.” No statistically significant association was found between wrist pain and frequency of device use. However, a significant difference in perceived academic performance was observed between students with and without wrist pain, with higher performance reported among those without wrist pain. Conclusion: While device usage frequency was not significantly associated with wrist pain, the presence of wrist pain was linked to lower perceived academic performance. These findings underscore the potential academic implications of musculoskeletal discomfort among students in technology-intensive academic programs and highlight the importance of preventive ergonomic strategies.