J Prev Med Public Health.  2013 Jan;46(1):39-49.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms Related With Activities of Daily Living and Contributing Factors in Korean Adults

• Choi K
• Park JH
• Cheong HK

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study aims to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and factors related to daily activities in a representative Korean population.
METHODS
This study was based on the questions about musculoskeletal symptoms in the Korean General Social Survey 2010. The questionnaire about musculoskeletal symptoms was adopted from Korean Occupational Safety and Health Agency guide, and it includes general characteristics, characteristics of pain, work type, work intensity and a 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). We utilized the criteria of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to define the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms. Demographic, behavioral and socioeconomic factors were analyzed using logistic regression.
RESULTS
The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was 38.3%. The prevalence was higher in females, the elderly, those without health insurance, and those with a low income, low education, and occupations with a heavy workload. The prevalence by body part was highest in the back, shoulder, and knee, in that order. The physical component summary and mental component summary of the SF-12 decreased with increasing musculoskeletal symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS
Musculoskeletal symptoms are very common in the general population, and related to various socio-demographic factors. These results suggest that active prevention and management of musculoskeletal symptoms is needed at a national level.

Keyword

Musculoskeletal diseases; Korean General Social Survey; 12-Item Short Form Health Survey; Quality of life; Activities of daily living

MeSH Terms

*Activities of Daily Living
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Asian Continental Ancestry Group
Demography
Female
Health Surveys
Humans
Logistic Models
Male
Middle Aged
Musculoskeletal Diseases/*epidemiology
Occupational Diseases/epidemiology
Odds Ratio
Prevalence
Questionnaires
Republic of Korea
Risk Factors
Socioeconomic Factors
Workload
Young Adult