Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Foot Pain among Working Females -A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Although foot pain in working women is an ongoing problem and may be related to footwear, the prevalence of foot pain in young females is still scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to discover the common cause of foot pain and its possible associated factors (body mass index and shoe heel height) in young working women in an urban setting in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: The survey was conducted on a group of working women aged between 21 and 40 who were selected using non-probability convenience sampling. Data on foot problems was collected through an investigator-directed questionnaire using adapted foot questionnaires. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: A total no. of 382 women between the ages of 21 and 40 who worked in various Karachi, Pakistan organizations were included in the study. The study revealed that the majority of these women (n=255) experienced moderate pain, most had average body mass indices (N=192), and most had previously worn shoes with heels higher than one inch (n=199). The prevalence of mild foot pain was 17.53%, moderate foot pain 66.75% and severe foot pain 15.7%. Conclusion: Non-traumatic foot pain is joint among young working women, likely due to high-heeled shoes, prolonged working hours, and the standing nature of jobs. Keywords: Body Mass Index, Foot Injuries, Pain, Women