Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in relation to joint hypermobility among health science students in Kuwait: a cross-sectional study

Clin Rheumatol. 2026 Feb 18. doi: 10.1007/s10067-026-07996-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to explore the prevalence and regional distribution of acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain related to joint hypermobility (JHM) among students at the Health Science Centre (HSC), Kuwait University.

METHODS: Using a cross-sectional study design, we enrolled 256 students (78.5% young adults; 74.7% female participants) between March 2023 and March 2024 through a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Students with a self-reported history of inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders or current musculoskeletal injuries, neurological deficits, and/or genetic disorders were excluded. JHM was assessed using the 9-point Beighton Score test, and musculoskeletal pain was screened using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire.

RESULTS: JHM had a prevalence of 42.3%, with females showing significantly higher Beighton scores (P < 0.001). Chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain followed a descending anatomical pattern, starting from the highest proportion at the neck and ending with the lowest proportion at the knees. Among students with JHM, 95 reported chronic musculoskeletal pain, whereas 40 reported acute musculoskeletal pain. Only chronic musculoskeletal pain was found to be significantly higher in students with mild JHM (BS cut-off 4-6/9; n = 77; P < 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS: Chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain is common among HSC students and may be related to the presence of JHM. Female students appear to be at a higher risk of developing musculoskeletal pain related to JHM than male students. However, the indicated correlation between JHM and musculoskeletal chronic/acute pain needs to be affirmed in further studies with validated quantitative outcome measures and longitudinal designs. Key Points • Chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain is common among Health Science Centre students in Kuwait. • Chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain has the potential to be related to Joint Hypermobility. • Female students with joint hypermobility are at greater risk of pain. • The presence of chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain is inversely proportional to the severity of Joint Hypermobility.

PMID:41709056 | DOI:10.1007/s10067-026-07996-1