Table 2

Comparison of self-reported comorbidities, pain and medication in the ex-footballers compared with the general population controls

Footballers,
n=572
Controls,
n=500
P valueAdjusted relative risk (95% CI) (for age and BMI)
Comorbidities*
n (%)
178 (30.58)260 (52.31)<0.0010.74 (0.63 to 0.85)†
Comorbidities (by Charlson Comorbidity Index weighting, mean (SD)), n(%)‡0.44 (0.80)0.75 (0.98)<0.0010.71 (0.6–0.85)†
Diabetes, n (%)22 (3.77)57 (11.47)<0.0010.39 (0.24 to 0.63)†
Cancer, n (%)40 (6.86)50 (8.58)0.070.88 (0.59 to 1.30)
Heart attacks, n (%)18 (3.08)47 (9.46)<0.0010.43 (0.26 to 0.73)†
Hypertension, n (%)134 (22.98)169 (34.00)<0.0010.79 (0.65 to 0.96)†
Fibromyalgia, n (%)3 (0.51)1 (0.20)0.393.08 (0.31 to 31.02)
Any body pain, n (%)454 (78.14)330 (71.90)0.021.09 (1.00 to 1.17)§
ACR criteria widespread body pain (no knee pain), n (%)48 (8.40)23 (4.60)0.011.88 (1.15 to 3.09)§
Total regions with pain, mean (SD)3.13 (3.29)3.44 (3.05)0.140.91 (0.79 to 1.05)
Back pain, n (%)176 (30.18)146 (29.38)0.571.00 (0.76 to 1.32)
Knee pain, n (%)337 (57.80)193 (38.83)<0.0011.47 (1.29 to 1.69)§
Pain medication use, n (%)240 (41.17)165 (33.20)0.0071.54 (1.26 to 1.89)§
Opioids, n (%)23 (4.03)32 (6.40)0.070.64 (0.37 to 1.10)
NSAIDS, n (%)49 (8.58)21 (4.20)0.0041.94 (1.19 to 3.20)§
OTC analgesics, n (%)137 (23.99)70 (14.00)<0.0011.86 (1.44 to 2.43)§
Other medications, n (%)¶18 (3.15)31 (6.20)0.010.50 (0.28–0.94)†
  • *Diabetes, hypertension, myocardial infarction, cancer and fibromyalgia.

  • †Protective factors.

  • ‡Includes myocardial infarction, hypertension, diabetes and cancer.

  • §Risk factors.

  • ¶Other medications with pain-relieving effects.

  • ACR, American College of Rheumatology; NSAID, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug; OTC, over-the-counter.