Affiliations: [a] Department of Basic Sciences-Faculty of Physical Therapy-Cairo University, Cairo-Egypt, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia | [b] Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Dammam, Al-Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Hesham Ezzat, Department of Basic Sciences-Faculty of Physical Therapy-Cairo University, Cairo-Egypt and Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Dammam, Al-Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tel.: +966 502 181 748; Fax: +966 333 102 26 E-mail:hezzat@uod.edu.sa,heshamezzat1955@cu.edu.eg.heshamezzat1955@hotmail.com
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Neck pain is considered to be a major health problem in
modern societies. Many previous studies found that certain occupations are
related to this problem or are associated with the risk of developing it in
future. Although the pain is caused by mechanical factors, it may progress
to a serious problem and give rise to other abnormal symptoms such as
vertigo, headache, or migraine. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of neck pain among the
cabin crew of Saudi Airlines. DESIGN OF STUDY: A cross-sectional study was carried out on the
available Saudi Airlines cabin crews in King Fahad Airport during our
visits, using questionnaires and measurements of several parameters. METHODS: Neck Pain Questionnaires were distributed to the cabin
crews on Saudi Airlines and assessment sheets were completed by all
participants of the study to evaluate the prevalence and distribution of
neck pain. Physical therapy examination of neck motions in different
directions and specific tests were performed by all the participants to
identify any symptoms. Using these data the prevalence of neck pain among
the cabin crews was calculated. Collected data were analyzed statistically
using SPSS software calculating the mean, median, and score of the
questionnaire. RESULTS: According to the scoring system of the study, 31
(30.09%) of 105 cabin crew staff of Saudi Airlines had neck pain. Our
study confirmed a positive correlation between this occupation and neck
pain, and in fact found that according to the results of logistic regression
analysis, this occupation is the only significant factor that affects the
positive compression test. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of neck pain among the cabin crews of
Saudi Airlines was emphasized. The results show a high prevalence of neck
pain in the participants of the study, with most cases appearing to run a
chronic - episodic course. Further research is needed to help us understand
more about the long-term course of neck pain and its broader outcomes and
impacts.
