Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Risk Factors and Their Impact on Quality of Life in Peshawar Traffic Police

Background: Traffic police are consistently exposed to multiple risk factors such as standing, awkward postures, and repetitive movements, increasing their susceptibility to musculoskeletal disorders, which in turn may significantly impair their quality of life. Objective: To assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, associated risk factors, and the impact of these disorders on quality of life among traffic police in Peshawar. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the City University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan. The inclusion criteria were male traffic police aged 20-50 years who consented to participate, while those with systemic diseases, recent surgeries, trauma, or office-based duties were excluded. Data were collected by using the comprehensive questionnaire incorporating the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire, Numerical Pain Rating Scale Questionnaire, the quality of life evaluation, and the Physical Activity Risk Factor Questionnaire. Informed consent was taken before the participant participated, and informed consent was ensured, ensuring confidentiality, anonymity, and adherence to ethical standards approved by the institutional review board of City University, Peshawar and Peshawar Police Line. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, means, percentages, and standard deviations) were used to summarize demographics, while inferential analyses, including chi-square tests, normality tests, and logistic regression, were employed to explore associations between musculoskeletal disorders risk factors and quality of life. Results: The study found that 88.1% of participants experienced moderate musculoskeletal disorders, with the lower back (21.1%), shoulders (14.7%), and neck (12.8%) being the most affected regions. Significant associations were found between age and musculoskeletal disorders severity (p=0.04), pain duration and musculoskeletal disorders severity (p=0.01), and duration of service and pain intensity (p<0.00). Conclusion: Physical activity risk increased with both age and service duration, indicating cumulative ergonomic stress. Musculoskeletal disorders are highly prevalent among traffic police in Peshawar and significantly affect their physical health and quality of life.