Assessment of the Burden of Chronic Neck and/or Shoulder Pain on Quality of Life Among Saudi Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

Chronic neck and shoulder pain (NSP) impairs quality of life (QoL), yet data its impact in the Saudi population remain limited. This study assessed NSP's effect on physical, psychological, social, and environmental QoL among Saudi adults.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study (May-September 2024) in Saudi Arabia used a self-administered Arabic questionnaire covering sociodemographics, NSP features, and QoL (WHOQOL-BREF). Adults ≥18 with self-reported NSP were included; those with cognitive impairments were excluded.

RESULTS

This study included 2,171 Saudi adults (mean age: 29 ± 12 years; 54% female). The mean overall QoL score was 69 ± 21.69, with domain-specific means of 65 (physical), 59 (psychological), 60 (social), and 60 (environmental). Combined NSP was significantly associated with reduced QoL, most notably in the physical health (β = -8.14, p < 0.001) and overall QoL (β = -6.83, p < 0.001) domains. Chronic neck pain lasting >1 year significantly reduced QoL in physical (β = -7.69, p<0.05), psychological (β = -6.20, p<0.05), and overall domains (β = -11.33, p<0.05), while pain lasting 6-12 months also negatively impacted QoL (β = -4.42 to -9.18, p<0.05). Similarly, shoulder pain >1 year lowered physical (β = -7.53, p<0.05) and overall QoL (β = -5.13, p<0.05), and pain <6 months affected physical (β = -5.53, p<0.05), social (β = -6.28, p<0.05), and environmental domains (β = -6.07, p<0.05). Depression and anxiety worsened QoL across all domains (β = -4.05 to -10.21, p<0.05). Positive predictors included higher income (β = 5.76 to 9.11, p<0.05), regular exercise (β = 2.29 to 7.23, p<0.05), male gender (β = 3.71, p<0.05), moderate coffee intake (β = 3.74-3.77, p<0.05), and older age (β = 0.23, p<0.05). Conversely, diabetes, high BMI, and rural residence were associated with poorer QoL (β = -0.39 to -8.67, p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Chronic NSP markedly reduces QoL, especially with prolonged pain and mental health issues. Early care, psychological support, and lifestyle changes are essential for better outcomes. Long-term studies are needed to inform tailored interventions.