Psychological Profile in Musculoskeletal Disorders and Its Relationship with Socio-Demographics, Perceived Social Support and Quality of Life in A Tertiary Care Hospital in India – A Cross-Sectional Study

IntroductionMusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) MSDs are a major source of pain and disability worldwide, ranking second globally in disability burden with 1,720 DALY rates per 100,000 individuals 1 .MSDs negatively impact society in terms of direct costs to the healthcare system and indirect costs from reduced productivity and employment 2 .Worldwide, approximately 1.71 billion individuals experience MSDs, with prevalence ranging from 14% to 42%, and India reporting rates from 20% to 90% in certain professions 3 .MSDs often drive individuals to seek primary care.Mental distress and depression related to musculoskeletal pain may influence care-seeking, factoring in symptom severity and duration 4 .Chronic pain, a biopsychosocial phenomenon, involves complex interactions between social, psychological, and biological factors, often associated with psychopathological conditions 5 .Patients with chronic illness may face AbstractObjectives: This study explores the psychological aspects of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in India, examining personality traits, social support, and sociodemographic factors.It also investigates the relationship between multi-site MSDs, common mental disorders, perceived social support, and quality of life.Methods: Conducted at an Indian tertiary care hospital, 205 participants (≥18 years) with MSDs associated with chronic distress in the form of pain, underwent personality assessment using the Big Five model.Multi-site MSDs were identified via the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and logistic regression analyzed Common Mental Disorder Questionnaire (CMDQ), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and Stark Quality of Life (QoL).Results: Associations were found between MSDs and CMDQ subscales, particularly anxiety, somatoform, and depressive disorders.Multi-site MSDs were prevalent in 74.6% of participants, with neuroticism as the predominant personality trait.Participants reported low to moderate perceived social support levels, impacting their quality of life.Conclusions: This research underscores addressing psychological and social factors in MSDs associated with chronic pain.Multisite MSDs significantly affect mental health and quality of life, emphasizing the need for timely screening and psychiatric intervention in effective management.