Prevalence and Determinants of Knowledge of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Healthcare Providers and Students in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are rapidly rising in Saudi Arabia and considered the 3rd reason for hospital visits across the country. Despite their prevalence, the adequacy of knowledge in diagnosing and treating MSDs has not been assessed. The purpose of this study is to assess MSD knowledge amongst healthcare providers (orthopedists, physicians, and physical therapists) and medical and physical therapy students and interns. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a web-based 25-question MSD test was given to licensed physical therapists, primary care physicians and orthopedists, as well as final-year physical therapy and medical students and interns in Saudi Arabia. Two multivariable linear regression analysis models were used to determine MSD test score differences amongst (1) orthopedists, primary care physicians, and physical therapists and (2) amongst medical and physical therapy students and interns. RESULTS: A total of 680 participants were included (response rate is 22.7%). The overall MSD test score was 48.2%, and the passing rate was 14%. Model 1 showed that orthopedist’s group had a significantly higher mean score on MSD test than physical therapists (t(482)= 8.12, p < 0.001) and primary care physician (t(482)= 6.00, p < 0.05). However, primary care physician scores did not significantly differ from physical therapy group (t(482)= 6.47, p = 0.07). Model 2 showed that medical interns had significantly higher mean score on MSD test than physical therapy students (t(240)=4.46, p < 0.001), physical therapy interns (t(240)= 4.7, p < 0.05), and medical students (t(240)= 2.79, p < 0.05). There was also a significant difference between medical students and physical therapy interns (t(240)= 2.5, p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between medical students and physical therapy students. CONCLUSION: Except for orthopedists, the MSD knowledge appears inadequate amongst healthcare providers, medical and physical therapy students and interns in Saudi Arabia. To improve knowledge in MSDs, increasing content of MSDs in undergraduate education and postgraduate training is necessary.