Table 4 Multivariate analysis of risk factors for neck pain separated by sex (n = 1921)

 Age groups

  17-19 years

Ref.

-

-

  20-23 years

1.19 (0.86-1.63)

0.302

-

-

 Self-study time

  <6 h/day

Ref.

Ref.

   ≥ 6 h/day

1.43 (1.02-2.01)

0.039

1.44 (1.13-1.83)

0.003

 Sitting habitual neck posture

  Upright

-

-

Ref.

  Slightly flexed

      (10-20 degrees)

-

-

1.57 (0.93-2.66)

0.095

  Sharp flexed

      (>20 degrees)

-

-

2.19 (1.28-3.74)

0.004

 Static duration posture

  <1 h

-

-

Ref.

  1-2 h

-

-

1.04 (0.78-1.37)

0.812

  >2 h

-

-

1.42 (1.02-1.97)

0.036

 Leisure time physical activity

  Occasionally

Ref.

-

-

  Regularly, 1-2 times/week

1.23 (0.82-1.86)

0.313

-

-

  Regularly, ≥3 times/week

0.80 (0.55-1.16)

0.238

-

-

 Psychological distress

  Low (1-15)

Ref.

Ref.

  Moderate (16-21)

2.04 (1.28-3.25)

0.003

1.18 (0.81-1.72)

0.379

  High (22-29)

2.37 (1.49-3.79)

< 0.001

2.04 (1.42-2.94)

<0.001

  Very high (30-50)

2.97 (1.75-5.02)

< 0.001

2.50 (1.57-3.74)

<0.001