# Evaluation of health behaviors and Type D personality traits among physiotherapy students in relation to musculoskeletal disorder symptoms

## TL;DR

This study explores how health behaviors and Type D personality traits relate to musculoskeletal pain in physiotherapy students, finding gender differences and links between personality and pain severity.

## Contribution

This is the first study to examine health behaviors and Type D personality in relation to musculoskeletal disorder symptoms among physiotherapy students.

## Key findings

- Male students exhibited more unhealthy behaviors than female students.
- Higher Type D personality traits correlated with increased stress and depressive symptoms.
- Negative emotionality was linked to more musculoskeletal pain complaints.

## Abstract

Existing literature lacks studies evaluating the role of health behaviors and Type D personality in relation to musculoskeletal disorder symptoms. This study is the first to analyze these factors, specifically targeting a group at heightened risk of motor system disorders in their future professional roles—physiotherapy students.

To assess health behaviors, prevalence of Type D personality, perceived stress levels, and depression in the context of musculoskeletal disorder symptoms among physiotherapy students.

The study included 100 students (2nd- and 4th-year) and utilized a custom survey alongside standardized diagnostic tools: the Health Behavior Inventory, DS14, PSS10, and the Beck Depression Inventory.

Men reported higher mean scores of unhealthy behaviors than women (Cohen’s d 0.72, moderate effect size; p = 0.006). A stronger Type D personality was associated with a decrease in healthy behaviors, while increased social inhibition correlated with a reduction in unhealthy behaviors. No statistically significant relationships were found between unhealthy behaviors and the presence of musculoskeletal disorder symptoms. Statistically significant positive relationships were found only between negative emotionality and the number of pain complaints (r = 0.20; p = 0.042; 95% CI [0.01, 0.39]) and the general level of musculoskeletal pain (r = 0.20; p = 0.048; 95% CI [<0.01, 0.38]). Perceived stress and depressive symptoms contributed to a reduction in healthy behaviors (0.30 < r < 0.50). Additionally, higher levels of Type D personality, particularly in negative emotionality and social inhibition dimensions, were associated with increased stress and greater severity of depressive symptoms (r > 0.50).

Our findings show that gender is associated with health behaviors among students, with male physiotherapy students exhibiting more unhealthy behaviors than female students. Type D personality is associated with health behaviors and may be important for the frequency and severity of musculoskeletal pain symptoms.