Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Diabetic Patients in Tertiary Care Hospitals of Twin Cities

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to show prevalence of musculoskeletal problems in diabetic patients in tertiary care hospitals of twin cities.

Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in tertiary care hospitals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, from August to December 2023. A sample of 285 diabetic patients with age range 25-45 years was included. Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used as a tool in this research for determination of musculoskeletal disorders present in different regions of the body, such as, neck, upper and lower back, upper and lower limbs.  SPSS version 23 was used to analyse the data.

Results: The participants’ age was divided into 2 categories; category 1, ranging from 25-35 years (30.2%) and category 2 ranging from 36-45 years (69.8%). The mean age of participants was 37.66±5.72 years. This study shows considerable prevalence among 285 diabetic patients, majority 49.8% had trouble in low back followed by trouble in ankle 47.8%, trouble in shoulder 43.2%, trouble in knee 40%, and trouble in neck 36.5%, during last 12 months. Diabetic patients prevented from doing their normal work during last 12 months and majority 44.2% was low back followed by 36.8% was shoulder, 32.6% was knee, 32.2% was ankle and 29.1% was neck. Those who had trouble during last 7 days and majority 45.3% involved low back, followed by 40.4% shoulders, 36.8% knee and ankle, respectively and 35.8% had trouble in neck. 

Conclusions: In our study, high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems was seen in low back, shoulders, knees and neck of diabetic patients. The prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions (region wise) in diabetic patients was evaluated by Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. 

Key words: Musculoskeletal disorders, Pain, Diabetes Mellitus, Prevalence