Objectives: In a previous pilot studies it was indicated that the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is high among reindeer herders. The main objective of the present study was to explore potential relations between self-reported MSP, perceived dysfunction and quality of life among Swedish reindeer herding Sami, with particular emphasis on gender comparisons.

Study Design: Cross-sectional, semi-randomised, cohort study.

Methods: A total of 154 reindeer herders (86 men, 68 women) were offered participation in the study. They were semi-randomly selected from 7 Sami communities and represented herders who were older than 18 years of age, and belonged to households where reindeer husbandry constituted a major source of income. They answered questionnaire on pain intensity, duration and frequency in 10 separate body regions, on functional disturbances (SF-36 and Neck Disability Index), and on quality of life (in four domains - physical, social, mental and health). The questionnaires were distributed via mail to complement clinical data acquired during health examination executed by physiotherapists and GPs.

Results: Preliminary analyses revealed a high prevalence of MSP, particularly of the back, neck, shoulder, elbows and wrists, both among men and women. Significant functional impairments and poor quality of life were reported by a majority of the participants.

Conclusions: Detailed results and general conclusions will be presented at the conference