Determinants of Quality of Life Among Saudi Adults with Sciatica: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and

Objectives

Sciatica is a common condition associated with significant pain and reduced quality of life (QoL). However, its impact and associated determinants remain underexplored in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study aimed to examine determinants of quality of life among Saudi adults with sciatica. Materials and

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia between February and March 2024 using an online Arabic questionnaire disseminated via social media. Participants (n = 927) aged ≥18 years completed a 50-item questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, clinical history, lifestyle factors, and the Short Form-12 (SF-12) QoL scale.

Results

Of the 927 adults (mean age 30 ± 11 years), 76% (n = 706) were female and 24% (n = 221) male; 10% (n = 92) reported sciatica. Overall, 57% (n = 531) reported good QoL. Multivariate analysis revealed that increasing age (Odds ratio (OR) = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.01-1.07), urban residence (OR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.11-2.00), and higher income (>15,000 Saudi Arabia Riyal (SAR); OR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.03-2.27) were associated with better QoL. Conversely, diabetes (OR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.22-0.79), arthritis (OR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.32-0.83), and sciatica duration >1 year (OR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.12-0.69) were associated with poorer QoL. Gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking, and physical activity showed no significant associations.

Conclusions

Sciatica, prolonged symptom duration, and comorbidities such as diabetes and arthritis negatively affect QoL in Saudi adults, whereas socioeconomic and demographic factors contribute positively. The results underscore the importance of early intervention and tailored support for sciatica patients with long-standing symptoms or specific comorbidities to improve health outcomes. Longitudinal studies are warranted to assess causality and the impact of interventions.