RESUMEN
Aim: The aim of the study is to find differences and factors associated to musculoskeletal disorders in male and female patients in primary health care units in Egypt. Subjects and Methods: This is an exploratory cross-sectional study of a sample of 396 patients with musculoskeletal disorders- 44.7% men and 55.3% women - in primary health care settings in a rural and urban area. Aside from demographic characteristics, the questionnaires included the modified Nordic Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) items, duration of disease, family history, physical activities, effect of MSD on life, other diseases and an abbreviated depression score. Male and female patients were compared in the analysis. Chi-square, t-test, ANOVA were used as significance tests. Results: The primary MSD for men (36%) and women (40%) is back pain. The age of female patients with back pain was 8.4 years younger (p=0.001) than that of male patients. Women with neck pain were 15.9 years (p=0.001) younger than the men and those with a rheumatic disorder, 18.8 years (p=0.02). Factors related to MSDs in men are accidents, strenuous work and smoking; while factors for women are hormonal medication, family history of MSDs and less physical activities. There was no difference between men and women as regards the depression scores for each MSD. Conclusion: Female patients suffer from musculoskeletal diseases at a significantly younger age than male patients. Both genders have different risk factors associated with MSDs. Depression scores for MSDs are low.