Epidemiology of musculoskeletal disorders among iranian adults: results from a non-communicable disease cohort study

BACKGROUND: Persistent pain and reduced mobility and dexterity are the typical characteristics of Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). We aimed to determine the prevalence of back and joint pain, back, and joint stiffness, arthritis, and osteoporosis among adults and their distribution according to sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 9,520 participants aged 35–65 years from baseline data of the Ravansar Non-Communicable Disease (RaNCD) cohort study, in the west of Iran. MSDs were evaluated by the RaNCD cohort study physician using a standard questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was used to determine associations and reported by odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: The MSDs in women were significantly more than in men (59.06% vs. 40.94%, P < 0.001). Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) was significantly lower in subjects with MSDs, and waist circumference (WC) and visceral fat area (VFA) were higher than in the non-MSDs (P < 0.001). MSDs were significantly more common in urban men and women (OR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.14–1.50 and OR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.39–1.82, respectively). Obesity increased the odds of MSDs in women (OR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.33–1.84), whereas there was no association between BMI and MSDs in men. Men with high socioeconomic status (SES) had lower odds of MSDs than men with weak SES (OR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.64–0.92). CONCLUSION: The MSDs were more prevalent among older people, women, obese people and urban dwellers. Lifestyle modification, especially weight loss may be helpful in reducing and controlling MSDs.