Incidence of heel pain in university students: an observational study
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Background: Heel pain has been a common complaint among individuals, affecting various age groups and lifestyles. However, its Incidence and impact specifically among university students had remained relatively understudied. Aim: This study aimed to assess the incidence of heel pain among university students, identify potential risk factors associated with its development, and explore its impact on daily activities and academic performance. Materials and Methods: For this study, participant recruitment entailed conducting a cross-sectional investigation with a representative sample of university students recruited from diverse departments and academic years. Data collection involved administering a structured questionnaire to gather information on demographics, lifestyle factors, footwear habits, physical activity levels, and any history of foot injuries or conditions. Furthermore, participants underwent assessment for the presence and characteristics of heel pain using standardized evaluation tools. Statistical analysis comprised the use of descriptive statistics to outline the Incidence of heel pain among university students. Results and Discussion: The results revealed noteworthy insights into the Incidence of heel pain among university students, indicating its significance within this demographic. Factors such as age, gender, body mass index, and footwear choices were found to be associated with the occurrence of heel pain. Furthermore, students with higher levels of physical activity appeared to be more susceptible to experiencing heel pain. The discussion highlighted the potential impact of heel pain on students' quality of life, academic performance, and participation in extracurricular activities. Comparisons with existing literature underscored the importance of addressing heel pain as a prevalent musculoskeletal issue among university students. Additionally, the implications for preventive measures and interventions were discussed, emphasizing the need for targeted strategies to promote foot health and overall well-being in this population. Conclusion: this study underscores the significance of heel pain as a prevalent musculoskeletal concern among university students, with factors such as age, gender, body mass index, footwear choices, and physical activity levels playing pivotal roles in its occurrence. By shedding light on the Incidence and associated risk factors of heel pain in this demographic, this research provides valuable insights for informing targeted preventive measures and interventions aimed at promoting foot health and enhancing overall well-being among university students. Keywords: heel pain, university students, Incidence, risk factors, musculoskeletal health, preventive measures, interventions, foot health, well-being. Keywords: heel pain, university students, Incidence, risk factors, musculoskeletal health, preventive measures, interventions, foot health, well-being.
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The study aimed to investigate the incidence of heel pain among university students through a meticulous procedural framework. Initial participant recruitment involved the screening of 100 individuals from the university population, ensuring eligibility based on predefined criteria encompassing enrollment status, absence of significant medical conditions affecting foot health, and willingness to participate. From this initial pool, 67 participants were selected to partake in the study, forming the cohort for data collection and analysis. Data collection was conducted primarily through the administration of structured questionnaires designed to assess various facets of foot health and pain perception among the participants. Central to the data collection process was the utilization of two key outcome measures: the Numeric Pain Rating Scale and the Foot Function Index (FFI) questionnaire. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale provided participants with a standardized method to subjectively rate the intensity of their heel pain on a numerical scale, enabling the quantification of pain severity across individuals. Meanwhile, the FFI questionnaire offered a comprehensive assessment of participants' foot function, encompassing domains related to pain, disability, and limitations in daily activities. Together, these outcome measures facilitated a thorough evaluation of participants' foot health status and pain experiences. In parallel, the study incorporated an array of independent variables to explore potential factors associated with heel pain incidence among university students. These variables included participants' age, gender, BMI (Body Mass Index), physical activity level, footwear type, history of previous foot or heel injuries, academic year, and daily walking distance. Each of these variables was meticulously documented and analyzed to discern any correlations or associations with the occurrence and severity of heel pain. Ethical considerations remained paramount throughout the study, with stringent adherence to guidelines ensuring participant welfare and data integrity. Before their involvement, participants were provided with detailed information about the study objectives, procedures, and potential risks, and informed consent was obtained. Confidentiality measures were implemented to safeguard participants' privacy, and data handling procedures were conducted with meticulous care to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure. Upon completion of data collection, rigorous analysis techniques, including statistical modelling and correlation analyses, were employed to examine the relationship between independent variables and the incidence of heel pain among university students. Through this systematic approach, the study sought to provide valuable insights into the incidence and determinants of heel pain within this demographic, contributing to the broader understanding of foot health and pain management strategies among university populations.