Prevalence of Neck Pain and Reduced Cervical Mobility in Females Wearing Khaleeji Hijab vs. Traditional Hijab

Abstract

Background: Neck pain and reduced cervical mobility are increasingly recognized among females who wear hijab, yet limited research has compared musculoskeletal outcomes between distinct hijab styles. The biomechanical and clinical implications remain insufficiently understood. Objective: To determine and compare the prevalence of neck pain and reduced cervical range of motion (ROM) in young adult females wearing Khaleeji versus traditional hijab, and to evaluate the impact of daily duration and years of hijab use on these outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study recruited 100 female students from private universities in Lahore, Pakistan, aged 20–31 years, wearing hijab for at least one year and a minimum of four hours daily. Participants were assigned to traditional (n = 50) or Khaleeji (n = 50) hijab groups. Data collection included demographic details, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and goniometric measurement of cervical ROM. Statistical analysis used SPSS v21, with group comparisons assessed via chi-square and t-tests, and regression modeling for confounder adjustment. Ethical approval was obtained, and procedures followed the Declaration of Helsinki. Results: Khaleeji hijab wearers reported significantly higher neck pain (severe pain: 48% vs 4%, p < 0.001) and lower cervical ROM (mean flexion: 65.8° vs 73.1°, p = 0.005) than the traditional group. Longer daily wearing duration correlated with increased pain and disability. Conclusion: The Khaleeji hijab style and prolonged wearing duration are associated with greater neck pain and reduced cervical mobility, highlighting the need for targeted preventive interventions in hijab-wearing populations.