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

Introduction 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. Aim To assess health behaviors, prevalence of Type D personality, perceived stress levels, and depression in the context of musculoskeletal disorder symptoms among physiotherapy students. Materials and methods 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. Results 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 [ 0.50). Conclusion 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.