Burden of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Adults of Rural Areas of Delhi: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are disabling chronic conditions prevalent worldwide. However, there is paucity of literature of such disorders from India.Objective: To study the epidemiology of Musculoskeletal disorders in adult population of rural areas of Delhi.Materials and Methods: The study was a descriptive, cross sectional, community-based study and conducted in a rural area of Delhi. Modified Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ-E) was used to determine the prevalence of MSDs. Data were summarized using frequencies, proportions and appropriate statistical tests were applied for significance. Binary logistic regression was used.Results: The lifetime prevalence of MSDs in the present study was found to be 57% (114) of the study participants, 53% (106) participants had history of MSDs in the past 12 months, 48% (96) participants had history of MSDs in the past 4 weeks while 35% (70) participants had history of MSDs at the time of interview. Lower backache was the most common complaints (54.2%). MSDs were found to be more associated with female gender, increasing age, being overweight or obese, and having a history of trauma.Conclusion:One in three adults was suffering from MSDs in rural Delhi and more so in females and elderly.