Health-related quality of life and musculoskeletal pain in health sciences university students

Abstract

<strong>Purpose: </strong>To analyse the health-related quality of life and associated variables in health science university students. Secondly, to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and central sensitisation, and the differences by gender. <strong>Methods: </strong>Cross-sectional study among health sciences university students, using anonymous, self-administered questionnaires (SF-12, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS), Central Sensitisation Inventory (SCI)). <strong>Results: </strong>Three hundred and thirty eight students were included (76.3% female; age 22.5±4.9 years). The mean SF-12 Physical Component Summary was higher than the mean of 50 in the Spanish adult population as a whole for both female and male students (54.6 vs. 55.9; p=0.02), whereas the mean SF-12 Mental Component Summary was lower than the population mean (36.7 vs. 42.8; p&lt;0.001). These differences persisted when compared with age- and sex-matched population standardized scores. A high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was observed, particularly in the back area. Pain was generalised, chronic, of moderate intensity, and more frequent in women. Variables associated with worse physical health were being female (B=-1.5; p=0.035), having a disability (B=-4.6; p&lt;0.001), chronic musculoskeletal pain at any site (B=-2.1; p=0.001), and a score ≥40 on the SCI (B=-3.2: p&lt;0.001). The only variable associated with poorer mental health was the SCI score. <strong>Conclusion: </strong>Health sciences university students report a significant deterioration in mental health and a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, with symptoms of central sensitisation associated with poorer physical and mental health. Women have worse mental health and a higher prevalence, intensity and chronification of musculoskeletal pain.