Association between Foot Health, Musculoskeletal Pain, and Quality of Life in Adults from Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective

To investigate the association between foot health, musculoskeletal pain, and HRQoL in adults residing in the Makkah region, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2024 and June 2025 among 396 adults aged 19-60 years. Participants completed an online survey including the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ), the Arabic RAND-36 HRQoL survey, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation analyses, and multivariable linear regression models were used to examine associations and predictors of foot health outcomes.

Results

The 12-month prevalence of MSK pain was 90.2%, most commonly affecting the lower back (64.9%), shoulders (63.4%), and neck (51.3%). Significant positive correlations were observed between FHSQ domains (p < 0.001). General foot health was positively associated with social functioning and vigor. Male sex was associated with better foot health outcomes, while obesity and smoking were associated with poorer scores in several domains.

Conclusion

MSK pain is highly prevalent and associated with poorer foot health and reduced aspects of HRQoL. Integrated assessment of foot and musculoskeletal health may improve functional outcomes and well-being in community populations.