Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorder among Postmenopausal Women: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and objective: Postmenopausal women are subjected to various health issues amongst which the musculoskeletal conditions are most prevalent. Various studies have been done to find out the prevalence of numerous menopausal symptoms but, there are very few studies done especially in India to evaluate the burden of various musculoskeletal disorders using standardized questionnaire.Objective: To find out the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among postmenopausal women.Methods: A total 351 postmenopausal women were screened as per inclusion and exclusion criteria from S.D.M College of medical sciences and hospital, Dharwad. Data was obtained on sociodemographic and region wise musculoskeletal pain using standardized Nordic questionnaire. Results:The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among postmenopausal women was found to be 56% with mean age of onset of menopause as 46 yrs. Region wise analysis of musculoskeletal pain among postmenopausal women showed back (57%) and knee (72%) pain to be most prevalent. Conclusion:Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in postmenopausal was considered to be higher in this part of India. Most of the postmenopausal women are affected with musculoskeletal pain mainly in the back and knee regions and the causes for the same are multifactorial among Indian population.