RESUMO
Background: Soft tissue rheumatic disorders [STRDs] are very common and impact enormously general population, working groups and physiotherapist practices. However, they do not have neither a clear case definition nor objective tests to be accurately diagnosed rendering them neglected with poorly-estimated burden. Shoulder is one of the most frequent sites for STRDs.
Aim: The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for shoulder STRDs among Lebanese adults aged . 15 years.
Methods: A case.control study was designed based on data from the Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases [COPCORD] study conducted in Lebanon in 2009. Cases were defined as those who recently suffered from shoulder pain, tenderness or stiffness with duration not exceeding 12 months [52 cases]. These were frequency-matched by age and gender with 208 controls who never experienced any musculoskeletal pain.
Results: Area of residence, physical activity, family history and stress-induced sleep difficulty were significantly associated with shoulder STRDs after adjusting for cigarette smoking, job nature and family monthly income.
Conclusion: Factors associated with shoulder STRD among the Lebanese population include geographical location, psychosocial factors, physical activity and familial predisposition. Further longitudinal studies are needed to establish a temporal sequence and explore other potential determinants, especially among the working population