ArticleBMJ public health2026
Incidence and sociodemographic characteristics of coexisting function-limiting musculoskeletal problems and psychological distress among university students in Sweden: The SUN cohort study.
Article in BMJ public health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
Introduction: Musculoskeletal and mental health conditions are common, often coexist and may lead to disability among young adults. We aimed to: (1) estimate the 3-month incidence of coexisting function-limiting musculoskeletal problems and psychological distress among university students in Sweden, (2) estimate recovery from coexisting conditions (resolution of one or both conditions) and (3) determine whether incidence and recovery vary by sociodemographic factors. Methods: We followed 4262 university students in Sweden (17-65 years; 62% women) over 3 months, assessing function-limiting musculoskeletal problems and psychological distress (moderate or worse depression and/or anxiety) using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21. The 3-month incidence of coexisting conditions was estimated among 3642 students without coexisting conditions at baseline. We used risk ratios (RRs) to describe the variation of coexisting conditions across sociodemographic strata, comparing categories within each variable. Recovery at 3 months was estimated among 620 students with both conditions at baseline. Results: The 3-month incidence of coexisting function-limiting musculoskeletal problems and psychological distress was 8% (n=302, 95% CI 7% to 9%), higher among women (RR: 1.51, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.92), non-Europeans (RR: 1.55, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.06) and students whose parents lacked a university degree (RR: 1.31, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.64). Among students with coexisting conditions at baseline, 42% (n=258, 95% CI 38% to 46%) recovered from at least one condition at 3 months. Recovery did not clearly vary by age group, civil or socioeconomic status, country of origin or parental education. Conclusion: The 3-month incidence of coexisting function-limiting musculoskeletal problems and psychological distress was 8%, higher in women, non-Europeans and those whose parents had no university degree. Just under half of those with coexisting conditions recovered from at least one condition within 3 months, with no meaningful variation across sociodemographic groups. These findings underscore the need for targeted prevention, integrated student health support and further research.
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