PREVALENCE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL COMPLAINTS IN THE SPINE AND LOWER EXTREMITIES OF ADULT FEMALE USERS OF HIGH HEELED SHOES IN CALABAR, CROSS RIVER STATE

Abstract

This study assessed the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints in the spine and
lower extremities of adult female users of high-heeled shoes in Calabar, Cross River
State. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 adult female users of high-heeled
shoes from the University of Calabar and banks in Calabar. Participants’ age and
heel heights were obtained and categorized. Musculoskeletal complaints were
assessed by a validated questionnaire on musculoskeletal complaint by a previous
study. Descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage were use to summarized the
data. The findings of the study revealed that majority of the respondents were aged
25-29 years, 52% were students while 48% were bankers. The 3-inches high-heeled
shoes were the most 45(45%) worn high heels, followed by 2-inches high-heeled
shoes 40(40%). The study also shows that majority, 26(54.17%), of the 3-inches high
heeled shoes were worn by bankers; whereas majority, 31(59.61%), of the 2-inches
high-heeled shoes were worn by students. Complaints in the lower back was most
prevalent (38.00%), followed by: the cervical spine (30.00%), feet (26.00%), knees
(24.00%). thoracic spine (21%), hips (17%) and the lower leg (15%). Musculoskeletal
complaints in the lower back, cervical spine, knees, and feet are prevalent among
adult female users of high-heeled shoes in Calabar.