Health Examinations Should Expand Their Scope to Musculoskeletal Conditions: Estimation of Burden of Musculoskeletal Pain on AMHTS Population in Terms of Prevalence and Interference with Daily Activities

Abstract

Objectives To estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and their interference with daily activities (IDA) in Japan.
Design A cross sectional survey with a self administered questionnaire.
Setting NIA.
Participants Participants in AMHTS at three Japanese health care centers in October and November 2003.
Results Overall prevalence of musculoskeletal pain way 41.2% (Men 40.7%, Women 42.0%) with a significant increasc with age. One person in five described IDA due to the pain (prevalence 8.4%; Men 8.2%, Women 8.7%) .
Conclusions Because of high prevalence and IDA, musculoskeletal conditions should be identified as the major health problem in Japan. Health examinations should expand their scope to musculoskeletal conditions, following internal and mental conditions.