The spectrum and burden of in-patient paediatric musculoskeletal diseases in Northern Tanzania

Walsh, R. B. et al. (2022) The spectrum and burden of in-patient paediatric musculoskeletal diseases in Northern Tanzania. Paediatrics and International Child Health, 42(1), pp. 12-21. (doi: 10.1080/20469047.2022.2062561) (PMID:35452362)

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Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal diseases (MSD) are a major contributor to the global burden of disease and disability, and disproportionally affect low- and middle-income countries; however, there is a dearth of epidemiological data. Affected children often face increased morbidity, social isolation and economic hardship. Aim: To assess the spectrum and burden of paediatric MSD in children aged 5–18 years admitted to a major referral hospital in Tanzania. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of children aged 5–18 years admitted to Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) whose initial diagnosis was recognised as a musculoskeletal condition by the International Classification of Diseases-10 between 1 January and 31 December 2017. Results: During 2017, 163 cases of confirmed paediatric MSD were admitted to KCMC, representing 21.2% of all admissions of children aged 5–18 years (n = 769). Bone disease was the most common diagnosis. They comprised 106 (65.0%) traumatic fractures, 31 (19.0%) osteo-articular infections, 9 (5.5%) malunions and 3 (1.8%) pathological fractures. Congenital defects and rheumatic disease were relatively uncommon, accounting for only 6 (3.7%) and 4 (2.5%) MSD admissions, respectively. Conclusion: The majority of cases of MSD were related to fractures, followed by osteo-articular infections, while recognised cases of rheumatic disease were rare. The study, although small, identified the sizeable burden and spectrum of paediatric MSD admitted to a hospital in Tanzania over a 12-month period and highlights the need for larger studies to inform the optimal allocation of health resources.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:R. Walsh conducted the research as part of a Master of Research degree at Newcastle University. The research was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) (17/63/35) using UK aid from the UK Government to support global health research.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:McIntosh, Professor Emma
Authors: Walsh, R. B., Mwingwa, A., Yongolo, N. M., Biswaro, S. M., Mwanswila, M. J., Kelly, C., Mmbaga, B. T., Mosha, F., Gray, W. K., McIntosh, E., and Walker, R. W.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment
Journal Name:Paediatrics and International Child Health
Publisher:Taylor and Francis
ISSN:2046-9047
ISSN (Online):2046-9055
Published Online:22 April 2022
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2022 The Authors
First Published:First published in Paediatrics and International Child Health 42(1): 12-21
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
302121NIHR Global Health Research Group on estimating the prevalence, quality and life, economic and societal impact of arthritis in Tanzania: a mixed methods study at University of GlasgowEmma McIntoshNational Institute for Health Research (NIHR)17/63/35HW - Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment