Prevalence and patterns of musculoskeletal pain among undergraduate students of occupational therapy and physiotherapy in a South African university

• Main Authors: Michael O. Ogunlana, Pragashnie Govender, Olufemi O. Oyewole
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: World Scientific Publishing 2021-06-01
• Series: Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal
• Subjects: musculoskeletal pain; undergraduate student; occupational therapy; physiotherapy
• Online Access: http://www.worldscientific.com/doi/epdf/10.1142/S1013702521500037
• ISSN: 1013-7025; 1876-441X

Background: Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) conditions are common in the educational leaning environment and are often associated with poor ergonomic conditions. Objective: This study investigated the prevalence, pattern and possible risk factors of MSP among undergraduate students of occupational therapy and physiotherapy in a South African university. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using an internet-based self-designed electronic questionnaire was used to obtain information about participants’ socio-demography, ergonomic hazards, MSP, and relevant personal information. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and logistic regression were used in analyzing the data. Results: There were 145 participants (females 115 (79.3%); physiotherapy (74) 51.03%), making 36.7% of the present undergraduate student population in the two departments. The most prevalent ergonomic work hazards were prolonged sitting (71.7%) and repetitive movements (53.8%). The 12 months prevalence of MSP among the students was 89.7%. The pattern of MSP revealed that pain on the neck region was most prevalent (66.2%) followed by pain in the low back region (64.4%). Duration of daily travels and participation in regular exercise activities were significantly associated with the prevalence of MSP. Logistic model explained 23.6% of the variance in prevalence of MSP and correctly classified 94.1% of cases (χ2=13.73, p=0.03). The right-handed students were 0.13 times more likely to present with MSP than left-handed students. Also, students who exercised regularly were 9.47 times less likely to present with MSP. Conclusion: MSP is highly prevalent among health science undergraduates and is significantly associated with sedentary postures and inadequacy in structured physical activity participation.