Sex disparities in self-reported musculoskeletal injuries in the Canadian Armed Forces

Abstract

Recent comprehensive systematic reviews indicate that females are at greater risk of musculoskeletal injuries (MSKi) than males in military populations. Considering the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) goal of increasing female representation in the next few years, exploring these trends is essential. We aimed to determine the association between biological sex and MSKi in the CAF. An online survey was conducted with active-duty and former CAF members aged 18–65 years. Sex disparities in MSKi (acute or repetitive strain [RSI]) were analyzed using bivariate associations and binary logistic regressions with significance level at p < 0.05. Analyses were stratified by military environment (i.e., Army, Navy, and Air Force). From the 1947 respondents whose biological sex was reported, 855 were females and 1092 were males. Rates of RSI sustained by females and males while serving were 76.2% and 70.5% ( p = 0.011), respectively, whereas 61.4% of females reported acute injuries compared to 63.7% of males ( p = 0.346). Females were more likely to report overall RSI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.397; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.068–1.829), RSI having a greater impact on daily activities (aOR [95%CI]: 2.979 [2.093–4.239]) and greater impact on career progress/length (aOR [95%CI]: 1.448 [1.066–1.968]). Acute injuries, also more prevalent in females, were reported to have a greater impact on daily activities (aOR [95%CI]: 1.688 [1.198–2.379]). This study highlights sex disparities in MSKi prevalence and outcomes. Females within the CAF sample presented greater likelihood of reporting RSI, perceived impact of RSI on daily activities and career progress/length, and perceived impact of acute injuries on daily activities.