Prevalence, correlates and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders among Nigerian physiotherapy and architecture undergraduates

Abstract

Physiotherapy students are vulnerable to sustaining Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) due to manual handling activities. Also, Architecture students who frequently adopt awkward postures while using the drawing board may equally be exposed to some risks of MSD. The degree of MSDs and their precipitating factors among these cohorts have not been empirically compared. This study therefore assessed and compared the prevalence of MSD, its correlates and risk factors among undergraduates in a Nigerian University. This was a cross-sectional study of 200 undergraduates from Architecture and Physiotherapy departments. Musculoskeletal Disorders, General Health (GH), Perceived Stress (PSS) and Emotional intelligence (EI) were assessed using standard scales. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, Spearman rank correlation and binomial logistic regression at α = 0.05. The total prevalence of MSD was 77% (78 and 76% for Architecture and Physiotherapy students respectively). There was a significant association between Knee MSD and department of study (X2 = 5.604, p = 0.018). There was a significant correlation between Neck MSD and duration on the drawing board (r = -0.244, p = 0.043). MSD was significantly predicted by each of the length of sleep (OR = 0.128; p = 0.034), weight (OR = 1.471; p = 0.036), height (OR = 19.510, 0.037), BMI (OR = 12.547, p = 0.037), EI- self management (OR = 5.136; p = 0.032) and EI- social awareness (OR = 5.918; p = 0.015). Conclusively, there is a high prevalence of MSDs among undergraduate Physiotherapy and Architecture students. Length of sleep, emotional intelligence, weight and height are important predictors of MSD in this population. Key words: General health, perceived stress, emotional intelligence, anthropometry.