Association of Physical Activity and Quality of Life with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in the UAE Young Adults.

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) pose threat to the global economy and work productivity. Though growing evidence shows physical activity and quality of life are major determinants for WRMSDs, the association between physical activity and the quality of life among the young adults of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains unclear. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, a total of 507 young adults who were between the ages 18-35 years were administered an interviewer-based survey on musculoskeletal disorders, physical activity, and quality of life. The association between the potential determinants and the WRMSDs was analyzed using linear and logistic regression models. RESULTS: High prevalence (75%) of WRMSDs was found among the UAE young adults. Participants with low leisure-time physical activity had few WRMSDs. There was no significant association between physical activity or quality-of-life scores with the incidence of WRMSDs although physical activity time was highly associated with the quality of life, especially the social domain. CONCLUSION: Though a high prevalence of WRMSDs among UAE men and women was found, neither physical activity nor the quality-of-life scores determined the incidence of WRMSDs.