# Determinants of Quality of Life Among Saudi Adults with Sciatica: A Cross-Sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study explores factors affecting quality of life in Saudi adults with sciatica, finding that age, income, and urban residence improve it, while diabetes, arthritis, and long-term sciatica worsen it.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific socioeconomic and health determinants of quality of life for sciatica patients in Saudi Arabia.

## Key findings

- Higher income and urban residence are linked to better quality of life in Saudi adults with sciatica.
- Diabetes and arthritis are associated with significantly poorer quality of life.
- Sciatica lasting more than one year is strongly linked to reduced quality of life.

## Abstract

Background and Objectives: Sciatica is a common condition associated with significant pain and reduced quality of life (QoL). However, its impact and associated determinants remain underexplored in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study aimed to examine determinants of quality of life among Saudi adults with sciatica. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia between February and March 2024 using an online Arabic questionnaire disseminated via social media. Participants (n = 927) aged ≥18 years completed a 50-item questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, clinical history, lifestyle factors, and the Short Form-12 (SF-12) QoL scale. Results: Of the 927 adults (mean age 30 ± 11 years), 76% (n = 706) were female and 24% (n = 221) male; 10% (n = 92) reported sciatica. Overall, 57% (n = 531) reported good QoL. Multivariate analysis revealed that increasing age (Odds ratio (OR) = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.01–1.07), urban residence (OR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.11–2.00), and higher income (>15,000 Saudi Arabia Riyal (SAR); OR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.03–2.27) were associated with better QoL. Conversely, diabetes (OR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.22–0.79), arthritis (OR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.32–0.83), and sciatica duration >1 year (OR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.12–0.69) were associated with poorer QoL. Gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking, and physical activity showed no significant associations. Conclusions: Sciatica, prolonged symptom duration, and comorbidities such as diabetes and arthritis negatively affect QoL in Saudi adults, whereas socioeconomic and demographic factors contribute positively. The results underscore the importance of early intervention and tailored support for sciatica patients with long-standing symptoms or specific comorbidities to improve health outcomes. Longitudinal studies are warranted to assess causality and the impact of interventions.