RESUMO
To estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal [MSK] pain in Al-Qaseem province in central Saudi Arabia. Over a period of 18 months extending from September 1993 through to the end of February 1995, a house-to-house survey was conducted in Al-Qaseem province and included 5,894 adults asking regarding musculoskeletal pain. We obtained a response from 5,823 [98.8%], 2,667 [45.8%] men, and 3,156 [54.2%] women. The mean age was 34.14 +/= 15.16 years. Musculoskeletal pain was reported by 1,477 [25.4%], 762 [13.1%] men and 715 [12.3%] women. Musculoskeletal pain was significantly correlated with age [r =0.454], married status [r=0.238], unemployment [r=0.122], lower educational attainment [r=0.347], frequent attendance at local doctor [r=0.703], consumption of medications for pain [r =0.551], and change in ability to work [r=0.492]. We found no association with sex or body mass index. Musculoskeletal pain, although common in the community, is less prevalent than reported from Western countries, but has similar socio-medical consequences