Abstract

Background and Objectives: Elbow pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that impairs functionality and quality of life, yet remains under-investigated. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, severity, and determinants of elbow pain among Saudi adults and assess its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,019 Saudi adults using the Arabic versions of the patient-rated elbow evaluation (PREE) and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Data were collected via electronic survey from [dates] and analyzed using multiple linear regression in R (version 4.2.3), with statistical significance set at α = 0.05.
Results: Elbow pain prevalence was 14%, with 10% reporting prior elbow injury. Mean PREE scores were 7.03± 0.33 for pain, 4.69 ± 0.26 for function, and 11.72 ± 0.57 total. Significant predictors of higher pain scores included heavy lifting (β = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.14-2.70, p = 0.029), hypertension (β = 4.83, p < 0.001), osteoporosis (β = 4.32, p = 0.004), rheumatoid arthritis (β = 5.27, p = 0.006), prior elbow injury (β = 7.99, p < 0.001), and
physiotherapy use (β = 6.27, p < 0.001). Male sex (β = −1.94, p = 0.007) and student status (β = −3.10, p = 0.011) were associated with lower pain scores. HRQoL was impaired, with Physical Component Summary (PCS) at 47.9 ± 8.5 and Mental Component Summary (MCS) at 44.3 ± 10.5. Total PREE score negatively predicted both PCS (β = −0.09, p < 0.001) and MCS (β = −0.11, p < 0.001). Female sex, marital status, ex-smoking, and
chronic illness significantly reduced HRQoL.
Conclusions: Elbow pain affects 14% of Saudi adults and significantly impairs HRQoL across physical and mental domains. These findings support the need for early screening, targeted preventive strategies, and public health interventions to address this musculoskeletal burden.

Key words: Elbow pain, musculoskeletal disorders, PREE, SF-12, Saudi Arabia, health-related quality of life, prevalence, risk factors.