Association between musculoskeletal pain, physical activity, multimorbidity, and sleep quality in primary care patients: A cross-sectional study

• Grant number: 24/10092-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Collective Health - Public Health
• Principal Investigator: Ítalo Ribeiro Lemes
• Grantee: Juliana Picchi Kappaum
• Host Institution: Instituto Israelita de Ensino e Pesquisa Albert Einstein (IIEPAE). Sociedade Beneficente Israelita Brasileira Albert Einstein (SBIBAE). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and is often associated with other chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases and sleep disorders, affecting quality of life. Regular physical activity is crucial in the prevention and treatment of various chronic conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, multimorbidity, and sleep disorders. However, little is known about the role of physical activity in the association between musculoskeletal pain, multimorbidity, and sleep disorders. Objective: This study aims to explore the role of physical activity in the association between musculoskeletal pain, multimorbidity, and sleep quality in primary care patients. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis will be conducted involving primary care patients from the Unified Health System (SUS) in the city of Bauru, São Paulo state. Musculoskeletal pain will be identified through self-reports of low back pain or osteoarthritis. Physical activity levels will be assessed using the Baecke questionnaire, and multimorbidity will be defined by the coexistence of two or more chronic diseases (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia). Sleep quality will be evaluated using the MiniSleep Questionnaire. Binary logistic regression will be used to examine the association between musculoskeletal pain and physical activity with multimorbidity and sleep quality, controlling for confounding factors. The results will be expressed as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI95%).