Studying the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among a sample of medical students in Damascus, Syria. A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Background: A considerable number of medical students experience musculoskeletal pain (MSP) during their academic years. In this study, we seek to determine the prevalence of MSP, as well as its associated risk factors, among a sample of medical students at two major universities in Damascus, Syria.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two universities, with a total of 2009 medical students participating in filling-in the paper-based questionnaire. A modified version of the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire was utilized in this study. Results:The questionnaire was completed by 2009 medical students. The majority were between the ages of 21 and 25 years old, female (53%), and in their clinical years (55%). 1081 (54%) of all students had at least one MSP site in the previous week, while 1654 (82%) had at least one MSP site in the last year. MSP in the previous week was strongly linked with a history of trauma (odds ratio [OR] 2.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.79-2.86, p = 0.001), as well as a family history of MSP (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.12-1.76, p = 0.0029). MSP in the previous year was significantly associated with gender (OR 0.637, 95% CI 0.50-0.80, p = 0.0001), history of trauma (OR 4.59, 95% CI 2.93-7.17, p ≤ 0.001), and family history of MSP (OR 4.59, 95% CI 1.36-2.68, p = 0.0002). On multivariate analysis, factors associated with MSP in the previous week and last year were familial history of MSP (p = 0.0457) (p = 0.0024), respectively, and a history of trauma (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion:MSP had a high prevalence among Syrian medical students, especially female students, those with history of trauma, and those with a family history of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). This major health problem should be known to medical institutions, and awareness programs are required.

The prevalence of work‐related musculoskeletal disorder among health care workers in Damascus, Syria. A cross‐sectional study

“…Also, muscle spasms or pain in the joints before menstruation, wearing heels, and other traditionally feminine behaviors can also contribute to WRMSDs. 12,13 Our findings indicate that doctors are twice as susceptible as nurses to developing WRMSDs (OR = 2.03). The number of nurses employed in the hospitals included in our study was 2250 (43%), whereas the number of doctors employed there was 2900 (57%); this is because our study was conducted in Syrian educational hospitals When the proportion of doctors to nurses is often greater, which led to doctors performing most of the nurses' duties.…”

“…These factors put female therapists at a disadvantage, especially when it comes to lifting or moving weak patients, seeing several patients in 1 day, and carrying heavy equipment, which adds to the physical strain. Also, muscle spasms or pain in the joints before menstruation, wearing heels, and other traditionally feminine behaviors can also contribute to WRMSDs 12,13 . Our findings indicate that doctors are twice as susceptible as nurses to developing WRMSDs (OR = 2.03).…”

“…Furthermore, healthcare and hospital professionals in general, were found to be relatively more susceptible to work‐related musculoskeletal illnesses 11 . Research regarding these disorders is limited in Syria as they are not taken seriously in this country 12 . Therefore, conducting research on WRMSDs in Syria is of the utmost importance.…”

“… 11 Research regarding these disorders is limited in Syria as they are not taken seriously in this country. 12 Therefore, conducting research on WRMSDs in Syria is of the utmost importance. This study is the first study that assesses the prevalence and characteristics of WRMSDs in residents and nurses from multiple public and educational hospitals in Damascus, Syria to thefar as we are aware.…”

Risk Factors Associated with Musculoskeletal Pain in Undergraduate Students: A Systematic Literature Review

“…Musculoskeletal pain is pain in ligaments, tendons, muscles, or joints due to repetitive movements, awkward postures, or musculoskeletal disorders (Felemban et al 2021;Ogunlana et al 2021). According to the World Health Organization (WHO 2021), in a study conducted in 2019, it was found that musculoskeletal pain had affected about 1710 million people worldwide, having negative repercussions on their daily activities, hours of sleep and a significant decrease in their productivity (Alkhateeb et al 2020;Alrumi et al 2020;Torbey et al 2023). Likewise, according to the existing literature, several studies have shown that university students are no strangers to suffering from such pain.…”