Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain and Related Factors among Foreign Medical Students of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Musculoskeletal pain impacts our daily lives in numerous ways. So, it is very important to investigate this problem to find out its prevalence and factors related to it. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 360 randomly selected medical students from different medical colleges in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. With consent, data was collected by the principal investigator by pretested interview schedule through face-to-face interviews. Participants had the freedom to withdraw from the study at any point without the obligation to provide a reason, and measures were taken to maintain data confidentiality. The procedure posed no physical, mental, or social risks. Data were analysed by SPSS version 25.0 and presented through tables and diagrams for clarity. Results: Of the respondents, 213(59.2%) had musculoskeletal pain. But the majority 314(87.2%) had no history of trauma and 221(61.4%) had a family history of musculoskeletal pain. Of them, only 116(32.2%) respondents performed physical exercise while nearly two-thirds 224(62.2%) had normal BMI. Near cent per cent of respondents had prolonged sitting history, which is more than 2 hours. Most 273(75.8%) of them use chairs for study purposes. Near three-fourths, 259(71.9%) had travel time of more than one hour per day and a significant 328(91.1%) number of them use backpacks. Of 213 sufferers, more than two-fifths 128(60.1%) had musculoskeletal pain often. Almost half (47.4%) of medical students were suffering from back pain and 69(32.4%) from neck pain. Conclusion: Medical students were suffering from musculoskeletal pain with no history of trauma and positive family history. Students do not perform physical exercise regularly with normal BMI. During travel, they use backpacks to carry educational materials. Smartphones, computers or laptops are used by them during their leisure time. Students were mainly suffering from back, neck and shoulder pain.