Investigation of factors affecting musculoskeletal pain and quality of life in university students

Abstract

Aim: In this study, we aimed to examine the factors affecting musculoskeletal pain and quality of life in university students experiencing musculoskeletal pain. Material and Methods: Two hundred-eighteen (F:120;M:98) (X=21.22±1.9) university students studying at Pamukkale University School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation were included in the study. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the study was conducted over the phone and online. The correlation between the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Scale and the Nottingham Health Profile with gender, age, BMI, smoking habit, exercise habit, and time spent in front of a desk-computer-TV was examined. Results: Age parameter was correlated with back musculoskeletal pain in the trunk region (p<0.05). Body Mass Index parameter was correlated with back, lower back and shoulder musculoskeletal pain (p<0.05). Smoking habit was found to be correlated with musculoskeletal pain in the right hand and wrist (p<0.05). Exercise habits were found to be correlated with musculoskeletal pain in all regions except both hands and wrists and both lower legs (p<0.05). There was a correlation between time spent sitting at the desk-computer-TV and musculoskeletal system pains in the neck, back, low back, shoulder and hip (p<0.05). Quality of life was moderately correlated with smoking habits (p<0.05) and was positively correlated with exercise habits (p<0.05). Significant correlations were found between the duration of sitting at the desk-computer-TV and the quality of life parameters (p<0.05). Discussion: University students suffer from musculoskeletal pain due to a relatively intense training program based on practice and some harmful habits, and their quality of life is negatively affected by this situation. Students should take precautions to protect their musculoskeletal systems and gain regular exercise habits.