Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in two primary care clinics in a mid-sized town’s urban population in Malaysia
- Author:
Tai Keen Sang
1
;
Esha Dasgupta
2
;
Jasmine Yap Li Lin
2
;
K. Kirosa Kunjunee
2
;
Choong Xin Ying
1
;
Soh Wan Wen
2
;
Meroshini Sundaran
2
;
Yeap Swan Sim
3
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: Musculoskeletal pain; Disability; Primary care clinic
- From:Malaysian Family Physician 2021;16(1):93-102
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
- Abstract: Objective: This study assesses the prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) pain in patients attending primary care clinics in a medium-sized town in Malaysia and examines the interventions given for the symptoms and the level of the associated disabilities. Method: This investigation comprises a cross-sectional descriptive study of all patients visiting two primary care clinics aged 18 years and above. Patients presenting with joint pain answered a questionnaire assessing demographic data, disabilities (measured by the Stanford HAQ-DI), and treatment options. Results: Of 1,074 patients surveyed, 202 (18.8%) had MSK complaints. The mean age of those with MSK pain was 56.1 years. Incidence increased with age, reaching 78.8% of those over 48 years of age. The knee was the most common site of MSK pain (52.2%), with 20.3% requiring referral for specialist assessment. The median HAQ score was 0.375 and 89.6% of those surveyed had mild disability. Conclusion: MSK pain is a common problem among patients visiting primary care clinics. The most common site of MSK pain was the knee. On formal assessment, the majority of these patients exhibited mild disability. A significant proportion of patients still required specialist referral. This finding would suggest a need for further training on the management of MSK disease at the primary care level to avoid over-burdening the secondary care services.
- Full text:2.2021my0116.pdf
