Prevalence of shoulder pain and shoulder-related disability among adults in the Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of shoulder pain and shoulder-related disability among adults in the Jazan region and identify associated sociodemographic, occupational, and clinical factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 587 adults residing in the Jazan region. Participants completed a structured questionnaire that included sociodemographic characteristics and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Results: The prevalence of shoulder pain was 66.1% (388/587). Participants with shoulder pain were significantly older and had higher BMI values than those without pain (both p-value<0.05). In multivariable logistic regression, age (AOR ≤ 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03â€"1.08, p-value<0.001) and female gender (AOR ≤ 1.56, 95% CI: 1.03â€"2.36, p-value≤0.036) were independent predictors of shoulder pain. Among pain-positive participants, the median SPADI total score was 32.1, with 38.1% classified as having minimal disability and 42.0% experiencing at least moderate disability. Higher SPADI scores were independently associated with older age (B ≤ 0.67, p-value< 0.001), rural residence (B ≤ 6.77, p-value<0.001), history of shoulder injury (B ≤ 10.91, p-value<0.001), repetitive overhead movements (B ≤ 6.06, p-value≤0.007), and healthcare-diagnosed shoulder conditions (B ≤ 14.06, p-value<0.001). Conclusion: Shoulder pain was highly prevalent among adults in the Jazan region and was associated with substantial disability in a significant proportion of affected individuals. Targeted prevention programs, ergonomic interventions, and early clinical management are needed to reduce the burden of shoulder disorders and improve functional outcomes.