PREVALNCE OF FORWARD HEAD POSTURE WHILE USING COMPUTERS AMONG OFFICE WORKERS IN PESHAWAR (A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY)

Background: Forward head posture (FHP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal deviations observed in individuals engaged in prolonged computer use. It is strongly associated with occupational risk factors such as static sitting, poor ergonomics, and repetitive screen exposure. The condition has been linked with neck pain, myofascial dysfunction, shoulder impingement, and reduced postural control. With increasing reliance on digital technology in professional environments, assessing the prevalence of FHP among office workers is critical to inform preventive and ergonomic strategies aimed at mitigating work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of forward head posture among computer users working in various offices in University Town, Peshawar. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from November to December 2018, including 359 office workers (both male and female) aged 17–60 years. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean age of participants was 30.88 years (SD ±8.86). Data were collected using a self-modified, validated questionnaire, and forward head posture was assessed using craniovertebral angle measurement via the smartphone application Surgimap. All participants provided informed consent prior to inclusion. Descriptive statistics including means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages were calculated. Results: Out of 359 participants, 216 (60.2%) exhibited forward head posture, whereas 143 (39.8%) did not. The majority of participants, 239 (66.6%), reported stretching their arms forward during work, while 120 (33.4%) did not. With regard to daily working hours, 150 (41.8%) participants reported working more than 5 hours per day, 39 (10.9%) worked 3–4 hours, 13 (3.6%) worked 1–2 hours, 12 (3.3%) worked 2–3 hours, and only 2 (0.6%) reported less than 1 hour. Conclusion: This study concluded that forward head posture was highly prevalent among office workers in Peshawar using computers for prolonged periods. The findings highlight the importance of early ergonomic interventions, posture education, and awareness programs to prevent long-term musculoskeletal complications.