Burden of musculoskeletal disorders among diabetics and their functional capacity in Southwest, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: The complications associated with diabetes manifest in a systemic fashion including the musculoskeletal (MSS) system where it leads to a reduction in the quality of life and impacts the mental health of the patient. A study to determine the extent of the musculoskeletal and emotional burden it imposes on the patient may help ascertain the extent of support needed in their care. We thus set out to determine the rate and the clinical factors that are predictive of MSS and emotional disorders in them. Materials and Methods: Self-administered questionnaires which consist of the short MSS functional assessment were given out to diabetic patients at the Endocrinology Clinic of the hospital. Results: The rate of presence of MSS disorder in our series was 66.4%, while the presence of increasing age, presence of MSS disorders, previous bones, and joints surgeries were significantly associated with poor physical, functional, mobility, emotional, and bother index. Conclusion: This study has further shown the huge burden diabetes places on the musculoskeletal system and by extension the mind of the patients. Routine assessment as a form of surveillance for the presence of musculoskeletal and emotional disorders should be incorporated into the clinical management protocol for diabetes.