Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and associated risk factors among undergraduates of a private university in Nigeria

Abstract

Background

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a common source of pain among university students. However, there are fewer studies on MSDs among private university students in Nigeria.

Objective

To determine the prevalence and risk factors of MSDs among private university students.

Methods

A multistage sampling technique was employed to recruit 1248 undergraduates of Redeemer's University, Nigeria, for a cross-sectional study. A structured questionnaire, including the Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, was used to assess the prevalence and risk factors of MSDs across different body regions. The Chi-square statistic was applied to examine the association between variables, and binary logistic regression was used to test the predictive values of the identified risk factors of MSDs.

Results

The 12-month prevalence of MSDs was 76% (females = 82.5%, males = 74.3%, p < 0.001). The neck region (47%) was the most affected. Stress, leisure-time physical activity, and taking short-breaks were associated with MSDs in both males and females (p < 0.05). Alcohol consumption (p = 0.005), stress (p < 0.001), and taking short-breaks (p < 0.001) were associated with MSDs among third-year students. Students not taking short-breaks (OR = 1.875, 95%CI = 1.409–2.495), not participating in leisure-time physical activity (OR = 1.448, 95%CI = 1.064–1.970), and those in third-year (OR = 1.414, 95%CI = 1.006–1.987) and fourth-year (OR = 1.715, 95%CI = 1.179–2.494) were more likely to have MSDs.

Conclusions

The study identified not taking short-breaks, physical inactivity, female gender, and mid-levels of study as key predictors of MSDs among private university students in Nigeria. These findings provide insights into risk factors that could be targeted to reduce the high prevalence of MSD in this understudied population of university students.