Table 5 Sex-based comparison of patient self-assessment on mental health and musculoskeletal conditions in a family medicine clinic. (n = 500) A: Chi-square test, B: Mann-Whitney U test. CI: confidence interval, IQR: interquartile range, ORs: odds ratio. Values marked with an asterisk (*) indicate statistically significant results (P < 0.05)

Coping mechanisms for dealing with musculoskeletal issues ^A

1.363 (1.16–2.028)

0.036*

Yes

202 (59.2)

139 (40.8)

No

103 (66.5)

52 (33.5)

There is anxiety about future prognosis or progression of musculoskeletal conditions^A

1.22 (1.007–1.337)

0.045*

Yes

145 (37.8)

239 (62.2)

No

46 (41.1)

66 (58.9)

There is safety concerns related to medication side effects or adverse reactions^A

1.014 (0.699–1.473)

0.990

Yes

119 (38.6)

189 (61.4)

No

72 (38.3)

116 (61.7)

Perceived effectiveness of safety measures (e.g., ergonomic adjustments, home modifications) in reducing risk of injury or exacerbation of symptoms^A

1.247 (0.853–1.824)

0.291

Yes

128 (40.4)

189 (59.6)

No

63 (35.2)

116 (64.8)

There is impact of musculoskeletal issues on emotional well-being and quality of life^A

1.499 (1.12–2.062)

0.042*

Yes

168 (39.1)

262 (60.9)

No

23 (34.8)

43 (65.2)

There is anxiety about potential loss of employment or income due to musculoskeletal issues^A

1.525 (1.037–2.243)

0.032

Yes

185 (58.0)

134 (42.0)

No

120 (67.8)

57 (32.2)

The quality of mental health status, out of 10, median (IQR)^B

9 (2)

7 (2)

.

0.036*

The quality of sleep, out of 10, median (IQR)^B

8 (2)

6 (3)

.

0.044*

The impact of musculoskeletal issues on social interactions and relationships, out of 10, median (IQR)^B

6 (4)

6 (4)

.

0.987

The overall quality of life, out of 10, median (IQR)^B

8 (1)

6 (2)

.

0.019*