To determine the burden as well as characterize MSP among Nigerians with Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) into nociceptive or neuropathic pain.
In all, 207 people with T2DM were recruited consecutively into this cross-sectional study. They completed the Nordic Musculoskeletal and S-LANSS Questionnaires to assess and characterize MSP as either neuropathic or nociceptive. Data obtained were evaluated with descriptive and inferential statistics.
Of the 207 participants, there were 147 (71%) females with mean age of 59.7±11.7 years. About 94.2% and 79.2% reported pain in at least one joint within 12 months and 7 days respectively, preceding the study. The most common site/region of reported pain 12 months and 7 days preceding the survey was the ankle/foot (58.5% vs 49.5%) while the least site/region over that same period was the elbow, 22.6% and 12.6% respectively. While 62.3% of study participants received treatment for self-reported pain, only 48.3% of them had restrictions in activities of daily living (ADL). MSP was predominantly characterized as neuropathic among 27.5% of the participants (about 1 in 5), the highest among participants with limited ADLs from MSP.
There is a high prevalence of MSP among Nigerians with T2DM, most commonly reported in the ankle/foot region of the body, classified as neuropathic pain and found in one in every five.
Assessing and characterizing MSP is essential and has some clinical implications. Early detection and intervention might help to maintain ideal physical activity. Studies have suggested that pain is related to decrease likelihood of physical activity one of the major components of diabetes management. Assessing pain for early detection and optimum intervention may promote patients’ engagement in physical activity.
pain characterization
Type 2 diabetes
