Associations between generalised anxiety disorder and work-related musculoskeletal problems among medical professionals

Introduction Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and prolonged working hours have negative impacts on the human musculoskeletal system. The study investigated the association between GAD and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among medical professionals. Subjects and Methods This analytical cross-sectional study used a non-probability convenient sampling technique to collect data from medical professionals at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and CMH Medical College and Institute of Dentistry, Lahore, using GAD-7 and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Inclusion criteria were medical professionals of both genders aged 20–40 years with a history of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), anxiety symptoms for more than two weeks, and a willingness to participate. Exclusion criteria were traumatic events, a psychological disease diagnosis other than GAD, pregnancy (2nd and 3rd trimester), and professionals with less than one year of experience. Statistical analysis employed SPSS version 22, with chi-squared (2) and Cramer’s rule applied to show the significant associations between GAD and WMSDs in medical professionals (<i>p</i> > 0.01). Results The association between WMSDs and GAD was statistically significant (p = 0.01), and a weak positive association was found (Cramer’s V = 0.22). The relationship was statistically significant among 174 female participants (<i>p</i> = 0.043, 2 = 8.166), with 148 (61.40 %) participants with 1–2 years of experience most affected by MSDs and 66 (55.50%) falling into the minimal anxiety category. Conclusions Medical professionals had WMSDs, and female medical professionals had a strong association with GAD and WMSDs. Young professionals had more musculoskeletal and anxiety issues.