Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in Patients Visiting Secondary Healthcare Setting

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are injuries or illnesses that affect the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs. These disorders are characterized by a loss of physical function in the body as well as discomfort and pain, which limits a person’s activities and restricts their participation in society. Severe and long-term musculoskeletal disorders can have negative impact on quality of life, reduces work productivity, increases work absenteeism, shorten working life, and creates chronic occupational incapacity. All of which are serious health concerns for individuals and healthcare systems worldwide. Objectives: This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and health-related quality of life in patients who visited secondary healthcare settings. And, to analyse the socio-demographic characteristics of the study population with musculoskeletal disorders, and to evaluate the impact of musculoskeletal disorders on health-related quality of life. Materials and Methods: An observational study of six months duration was carried out at a secondary care referral hospital. EuroQol EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS tools are used in the assessment of health-related quality of life and self-reported health status. Results and Conclusion: The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was 11.95% among study participants. Through the health-related quality of life, it was found that the majority of the participants were facing slight to severe problems as defined by f ive dimensions