Estimating the prevalence and predictors of musculoskeletal disorders in Tanzania: a cross-sectional pilot study

Yongolo, N. M. et al. (2024) Estimating the prevalence and predictors of musculoskeletal disorders in Tanzania: a cross-sectional pilot study. Pan African Medical Journal, 47, 36. (doi: 10.11604/pamj.2024.47.36.38258)

Abstract

Introduction: musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders account for approximately 20% of all years lived with disability worldwide however studies of MSK disorders in Africa are scarce. This pilot study aimed to estimate the community-based prevalence of MSK disorders, identify predictors, and assess the associated disability in a Tanzanian population. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted in one village in the Kilimanjaro region from March to June 2019. The Gait, Arms, Legs, Spine (GALS) or paediatric GALS (pGALS) examinations were used during household and school visits. Individuals positive in GALS/pGALS screening were assessed by the regional examination of the musculoskeletal system (REMS) and Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (MHAQ). Results: among the 1,172 individuals enrolled in households, 95 (8.1%, 95% CI: 6.6 - 9.8) showed signs of MSK disorders using the GALS/pGALS examination and 37 (3.2%, 95% CI: 2.2 - 4.3) using the REMS. Among 682 schools enrolled children, seven showed signs of MSK disorders using the GALS/pGALS examination (1.0%, 95% CI: 0.4 - 2.1) and three using the REMS (0.4%, 95% CI: 0.0 - 1.3). In the household-enrolled adult population, female gender and increasing age were associated with GALS and REMS-positive findings. Among GALS-positive adults, increasing age was associated with REMS-positive status and increasing MHAQ score. Conclusion: this Tanzanian study demonstrates a prevalence of MSK disorders and identifies predictors of MSK disorders comparable to those seen globally. These findings can inform the development of rheumatology services and interventions in Tanzania and the design of future investigations of the determinants of MSK disorders, and their impacts on health, livelihoods, and well-being.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Siebert, Professor Stefan and Halliday, Dr Jo and McIntosh, Professor Emma and Krauth, Dr Stefanie and Bunn, Dr Christopher and Yongolo, Dr Nateiya
• Authors: Yongolo, N. M., Halliday, J., Bunn, C., Mtesha, B., Kelly, C., Krauth, S. J., Mwingwa, A., Biswara, S. M., Siebert, S., Kipengele, A. H., Walker, R. W., McIntosh, E., and Mmbaga, B. T.
• Subjects: R Medicine > R Medicine (General); R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research; College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Sociology Anthropology and Applied Social Sciences
• Journal Name: Pan African Medical Journal
• Publisher: Pan African Medical Journal - Center for Public health Research and Information
• ISSN: 1937-8688
• ISSN (Online): 1937-8688
• Published Online: 30 January 2024
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2024 Nateiya Mmeta Yongolo et al.
• First Published: First published in Pan African Medical Journal 47: 36
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
302121		NIHR 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 Glasgow	Emma McIntosh	National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)	17/63/35	SHW - Health Economics & Health Technology Assessment