Volume 30, Issue 169, March 2026

Foot Health and its Association with Quality of Life Among Adults in the Makkah Region: A Cross-Sectional Study

Zainah S Alammari¹, Ibrahim S Aljulaymi¹

¹Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Foot problems are highly prevalent and encompass a broad spectrum of conditions affecting individuals across all age groups. These conditions can substantially impair mobility, limit daily functional activities, and ultimately reduce overall quality of life (QoL). There is insufficient data regarding foot health among adults in the Makkah region, Saudi Arabia. This study aims to assess foot health and its correlation with health -related QoL among adults in the Makkah region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study executed online from December 2024 to June 2025 by using the Arabic Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) and specific SF-36 dimensions. The participants were adults between the ages of 19 and 60. To analyze these data, we use non-parametric tests, Spearman's correlations, and multiple regression. Results: 396 participants were included in this study (mean age 36.9± 10.1; 85.1% females), the median FHSQ score was highest for foot function (93.75) and lowest for footwear (58.33). Physical function had the greatest QoL score (80), while vigors had the lowest. (62.5). Males reported better overall foot health (p=0.011) and reduced foot pain (p=0.001). Better foot health was associated with younger age, being single, and normal BMI (p<0.05). Residence, smoking, obesity, female gender, and older age were all individually associated with poor foot health. Foot pain was associated with overall foot health (r=0645, p<0.01) and foot function (r=0.641). Conclusion: This study concludes that individuals should follow many strategies to improve foot health and general well-being in adults in Makkah, such as weight control, smoking cessation, and appropriate footwear.

Keywords: Foot; Quality of life; FHSQ; Makkah; Saudi Arabia; Cross-sectional study

Medical Science, 2026, 30, e48ms3829

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v30i169.e48ms3829

Published: 05 March 2026