PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF SELF-REPORTED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG LOW RESOURCED URBAN COMMUNITY DWELLERS

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent in communities across the world and their impact is affecting people in almost all occupational settings. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal disorders among urban dwellers, Kano metropolis. Method: A total of 206 participants were recruited using a stratified sampling technique in a cross-sectional survey. The data was collected using a standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to measure work-related musculoskeletal disorders and physical activity levels of the participants. Results: The results showed that the majority of the participants (63.9%) were males and 36.9% were females between the ages of 18 and 65 years, with the majority of them between 18 and 34 years, singles and self-employed. Also, the majority of the participants had moderate physical activity levels, normal body mass index and low risk of cardiovascular diseases using the waist to hip ratio classifications. About 78.2% of the participants reported 12-month musculoskeletal disorders while 37.4% reported 7-day musculoskeletal disorders. Low back was the most common site affected by 45.6% of the respondents. Also, the result showed no significant relationship between 12-month musculoskeletal disorder and BMI, physical activity level and waist/hip ratio but a relationship between 7 Days musculoskeletal disorder and BMI, physical activity level and waist/hip ratio. Conclusion: It was concluded that there was a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among urban community dwellers in Kano metropolis, with low back pain the most reported while upper back has the least prevalence. Clinical Rehabilitation Impact: There was a high prevalence of WMSD among the general populace irrespective of the sociodemographic affiliations. Lower back was the most reported anatomical site among our participants. Men had a higher number of WMSD than women. There was an association between WMSD and WHR and BMI. Excess weight management might be helpful especially in individuals with high BMI and WHR.