Studying the association between musculoskeletal disorders, quality of life and mental health. A primary care pilot study in rural Crete, Greece

Abstract

Background: The burden of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) on the general health and well-being of the population has been documented in various studies. The objective of this study was to explore the association between MSD and the quality of life and mental health of patients and to discuss issues concerning care seeking patterns in rural Greece.

Methods: Patients registered at one rural Primary Care Centre (PCC) in Crete were invited to complete the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms, together with validated instruments for measuring health related quality of life (SF-36) and mental distress (GHQ-28).

Results: The prevalence rate of MSD was found to be 71.2%, with low back and knee pain being the most common symptoms. Most conditions significantly impaired the quality of life, especially the physical dimensions of SF-36. Depression was strongly correlated to most MSD (p < 0.001). Multiple logistic analyses revealed that patients who consulted the PCC due to MSD were likely to have more mental distress or impaired physical functioning compared to those who did not.

Conclusion: Musculoskeletal disorders were common in patients attending the rural PCC of this study and were associated with a poor quality of life and mental distress that affected their consultation behaviour.

Figure 1

SF-36 mean scores of patients with and without MSD during the last 7-day period. Statistical significant values are printed in bold/italics. SD values are presented in the parentheses below. PH: physical functioning (MSD YES: Mean = 30.7, Min = 25.4, Max = 33.6) (MSD NO: Mean = 24.9, Min = 23, Max = 26.3) RL EHP: role limitations due to emotional health problems (MSD YES: Mean = 48.5, Min = 45.7, Max = 51.6) (MSD NO: Mean = 39.3, Min = 37.9, Max = 41.2) BP: bodily pain (MSD YES: Mean = 25.9, Min = 20.4, Max = 32.2) (MSD NO: Mean = 25.3, Min = 24.7, Max = 26.4) GH: general health (MSD YES: Mean = 9.9, Min = 7.8, Max = 13.8) (MSD NO: Mean = 12.1, Min = 11.7, Max = 12.4) VT: vitality (MSD YES: Mean = 19.1, Min = 17.7, Max = 22.5) (MSD NO: Mean = 16.7, Min = 16.4, Max = 17.1) SF: social functioning (MSD YES: Mean = 10.4, Min = 6, Max = 13.1) (MSD NO: Mean = 9.1, Min = 8.8., Max = 9.7) RL PHP: role limitations due to physical health problems (MSD YES: Mean = 46, Min = 38.2, Max = 51.6) (MD NO: Mean = 32.6, Min = 31.1, Max = 34.8) MH: mental health (MSD YES: Mean = 10.4, Min = 9.1, Max = 11.8) (MSD NO: Mean = 10.6, Min = 10, Max = 10.9).