Prevalence of osteoarthritis in lower middle- and low-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Evidence from the Global Burden of Disease studies suggests that osteoarthritis (OA) is a significant cause of disability globally; however, it is less clear how much of this burden exists in low-income and lower middle-income countries. This study aims to determine the prevalence of OA in people living in low-income and lower middle-income countries. Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Science) were systematically searched from inception to October 2018 for population-based studies. We included studies reporting the prevalence of OA among people aged 15 years and over in low-income and lower middle-income countries. The prevalence estimates were pooled across studies using random effects meta-analysis. Our study was registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42018112870.The search identified 7414 articles, of which 356 articles were selected for full text assessment. 34 studies were eligible and included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of OA was 16·05% (95% confidence interval (CI) 12·55–19·89), with studies demonstrating a substantial degree of heterogeneity (I2 = 99·50%). The pooled prevalence of OA was 16.4% (CI 11·60–21.78%) in South Asia, 15.7% (CI 5·31–30·25%) in East Asia and Pacific, and 14.2% (CI 7·95–21·89%) in Sub Saharan Africa. The meta-regression analysis showed that publication year, study sample size, risk of bias score and country-income categories were significantly associated with the variations in the prevalence estimates. The prevalence of OA is high in low-income and lower middle-income countries, with almost one in six of the study participants reported to have OA. With the changing population demographics and the shift to the emergence of non-communicable diseases, targeted public health strategies are urgently needed to address this growing epidemic in the aging population.

Global profile of individuals undergoing total knee replacement through the PROGRESS-PLUS equity lens: Protocol for a systematic review

“…In addition, less-developed countries are ageing at a more rapid rate than more-developed countries, with the highest increase in the burden of MSK disorders being currently reported amongst low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (Blyth et al 2019 ; Hay et al 2017 ). A review by Yahaya ( 2021 ) showed a high prevalence of OA in LMICs with one in six individuals living with OA. The increase in OA within LMICs may be affected by the health inequalities which affect the health status, access and opportunities of these populations (Yahaya et al 2021 ).…”

“…A review by Yahaya ( 2021 ) showed a high prevalence of OA in LMICs with one in six individuals living with OA. The increase in OA within LMICs may be affected by the health inequalities which affect the health status, access and opportunities of these populations (Yahaya et al 2021 ).…”

Lower Limb Muscle Strength and Muscle Mass Are Associated With Incident Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

“…Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent type of arthritis ( 1 ) and a very common long-term disabling chronic condition ( 2 ) characterized by the deterioration of cartilage in the joints ( 3 ). Evidence suggests that OA is the leading cause of disability worldwide with very high personal, social and economic burdens ( 4 ). The prevalence of OA increases with age and is more common in women, people with obesity and those with joint trauma ( 5 ).…”

Impact of High-Pressure Processing on Antioxidant Activity during Storage of Fruits and Fruit Products: A Review

“…Some authors have proposed intervention programs to promote fruit and vegetable consumption [ 4 , 5 , 6 ] considering the association of their low consumption with some diseases, pointed out from the beginning of 2000s [ 7 , 8 ]. Most of them are called non-communicable diseases by WHO [ 9 ]: cancers [ 10 , 11 , 12 ], obesity [ 13 ], high blood pressure [ 14 ] and other cardiovascular illnesses [ 15 ], strokes [ 16 ], osteoporosis [ 17 ], osteoarthritis [ 18 ], type 2 diabetes [ 19 ], degenerative diseases [ 20 ], among others. They are known to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes; to inhibit plasma platelet aggregation, cyclooxygenase activity, and histamine release, as well as to exert antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergenic activities [ 21 ].…”