Prevalence of Self-Reported Musculoskeletal Pain, Perceived Risk Factors And Quality of Life Among School Going Students

Introduction: Reports from WHO states low back pain and neck pain as top musculoskeletal disorders that has brought enormous global burden among school children. This study aimed to determine and understand prevalence, pattern of musculoskeletal pain and quality of life in population sample under the age of 18 years. Methods: This study was conducted on 500 school students in age group of 10-17 years. Self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms of students and region of body involved were obtained. Common factors which students perceived as responsible for musculoskeletal pain were included as part of the questionnaire along with hours of physical activity at and after school. Most commonly performed recreational activities at home was included to obtain details on sedentary lifestyle behavior of students. Health related Quality of Life (HRQoL) was assessed by 23 item-four multidimensional scale, the Pediatrics Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 4.0 Generic Core scales for students and teens. It included four dimensions-Physical functioning, Emotional functioning, Social functioning and School functioning. Results: Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was found to be 23.4%. Shoulder was commonly involved followed by neck and lower back. 46.2% students felt inappropriate bag weight followed by prolonged sitting to be the common factors for pain. Watching television and playing mobile games as sedentary activities, occupied most of the time after school. Weak associations were observed between gender and presence of symptoms. Analysis of PedsQL showed better quality of life among students in total scores and sub scores. Discussion: Higher prevalence of musculoskeletal pain symptoms observed in school students and adolescents and risk factors analysis, as observed in this study highlights the importance to device appropriate measures to prevent these symptoms.