Predictors of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Falls Among Aged Retirees of Ife-Central Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and falls are major public health concerns among older adults, contributing to reduced quality of life, increased healthcare costs, and higher morbidity. This study investigated key predictors of MSDs and falls among retirees aged 65 years and above in Ife-Central Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was employed, with ethical clearance obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee (HREC) of the Institute of Public Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (protocol number HREC/2024/06/22). A purposive sample of 300 retirees participated, and data were collected using the modified Nordic Musculoskeletal and Postural Instability Questionnaire (NMPIQ) and the adapted Fall Efficacy and Gait Assessment Scale (FEGAS). Demographic variables such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, chronic disease history, medication use, and environmental factors were examined. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify associations and predictors. Findings revealed moderate gait impairment (36.3%) and mild postural instability (0.73±0.70 on the PIGD scale). A high prevalence of MSDs was observed, with 86.3% reporting MSDs in the past 12 months and 80.7% in the past 7 days. Low back pain was the most common MSD, affecting 62.0% in the past year and 57.7% in the past week. Additionally, 60% of participants expressed moderate to high concern about falling. Living alone (χ²=22.29, p<0.05) and hypertension (χ²=15.97, p<0.05) were significantly associated with heightened fear of falling. FGA and PIGD emerged as the strongest modifiable correlates of fear of falling, with a strong negative correlation between FGA and FES (r = -0.52, p<0.05) and a positive correlation between PIGD and FES (r = 0.39, p<0.05). Multiple MSDs were also strongly associated with fear of falling (χ²=49.23, p<0.05 within 12 months; χ²=47.92, p<0.05 within 7 days), making them the strongest predictors of high fall concern. Overall, postural instability and gait abnormalities were identified as strong predictors of MSDs, while advancing age, fear of falling, and MSDs were the strongest predictors of actual falls among aged retirees.