Impact of musculoskeletal pain on physical function and health-related quality of life in a rural community in south India: A WHO-ILAR-COPCORD-BJD India Study

Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain poses a major burden on individuals and health care systems. Assessing its pervasive impact has broadened the horizon of treatment strategies. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of MSK pain and its relationship with the health-related quality of life (HRQL) in a rural community. Individuals (>15 years) with MSK pain were identified by house–house survey from a population of 6,763 individuals. HRQL was assessed using the validated ‘Modified Indian HAQ (CRD – Pune)’, translated into regional language. Moderate and severe health assessment questionnaire disability index (HAQ-DI) scores were considered significant. Details regarding the impact of pain on their personal, family and social life were also studied. All individuals with MSK pain were evaluated clinically by a medical team and HAQ-DI was compared in different groups of disorders. Prevalence of MSK pain in the community (mean age, 52 ± 15.8 years) was 26.08% (95% CI 25.03–27.13). About 8% of the respondents reporting MSK pain had to stop work and 4% had chronic depression. A significant HAQ-DI was scored by 31% subjects. Level of education and intensity of work had significant associations with HRQL. Among the clinical diagnoses, non-specific MSK pain also scored a high HAQ-DI. MSK pain, both due to specific and non-specific disorders, showed an important impact on HRQL in this community study. Combined with ascertainment of risk factors and associations, this has implications on planning treatment and prevention. We plan to continue using HAQ in time to monitor the community.