Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Study Title: Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Egyptian Students in the Faculty of Applied Arts

Study Design:

This is an observational, cross-sectional study aimed at investigating the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and associated risk factors among Egyptian students enrolled in the Faculty of Applied Arts during their last three academic years. The study will collect demographic data (age, gender) and assess musculoskeletal symptoms using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ-E).

Study Population:

The target population includes approximately 9,600 students from the Faculty of Applied Arts in Egypt. A sample of 250 participants will be recruited based on eligibility criteria.

Inclusion criteria

Egyptian students from the Faculty of Applied Arts. Age range: 20-22 years. Both genders included.

Exclusion criteria

Obesity. Pregnancy. History of neuropathy or other neurological disorders such as lumbar plexopathy, spinal stenosis, and nerve root compression.

Unstable medical conditions. History of central nervous system malignancy (primary or metastatic). Musculoskeletal problems due to trauma or previous surgery.

Sample Size Calculation:

The sample size was determined using a sample size calculator with a confidence interval of 95% and α level of 0.05. From a population of 9,600, a minimum of 250 participants was required to achieve statistical power.

Instrumentations:

The Arabic version of the extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ-E) will be utilized. The NMQ is a validated tool for assessing musculoskeletal symptoms, including pain prevalence and anatomical distribution.

Key Sections of NMQ-E:

Section 1: 40 forced-choice items identifying musculoskeletal problem areas, supported by a body map. Symptoms over the last 12 months and the past 7 days will be evaluated.

Section 2: Additional questions on neck, shoulders, and lower back, covering symptom duration, functional impact, professional assessments, and recent musculoskeletal problems.

Procedure:

Participants will be recruited from the Faculty of Applied Arts and asked to complete the NMQ-E online or in person. Data on musculoskeletal symptoms and ergonomic practices will be collected over a specific timeframe.

Validity and Reliability of NMQ-E:

Validity:

Content validity is supported by expert review and alignment with established measures of musculoskeletal health.

Criterion validity demonstrated strong correlations between NMQ responses and clinical assessments (sensitivity: 66-92%; specificity: 71-88%).

Reliability:

High test-retest reliability observed in various populations. Internal consistency confirmed via Cronbach's alpha.

Data Analysis and Statistical Design:

The collected data will be analyzed using statistical software, employing:

Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, percentages). Statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Inclusion criteria

• 250 Egyptian students from different Faculties of Applied Art.
• Age (20-22) years old
• both genders will be included.

Exclusion criteria

• Obesity.
• Pregnancy.
• Patients who had history of any other neuropathy.
• Unstable medical condition.
• Other neurological disorders causing pain as lumbar plexopathy, spinal stenosis, and spinal nerve root compression.
• History of central nervous system primary or metastatic malignancy
• student having any musculoskeletal problems due to other causes as accidents or a previous operation.