Prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions and related disabilities in Bangladeshi adults: a cross-sectional national survey

Abstract Background: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and related disabilities in the adult population of Bangladesh because was no nationally representative data. Methods: A total of 2000 individuals aged 18 years or older were targeted where 1843 (92.1%) participated from 20 primary sampling units (urban and rural) of all former seven divisions of Bangladesh in 2015. Structured interviews were done using the modified Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Disorders questionnaire to detect positive respondents. Standard criteria were used for diagnosing MSK conditions by rheumatology residents. In case of uncertainty, opinion was taken from senior rheumatologists. A Bangla version of the Health Assessment Questionnaire was used to determine disability. Results: Among the respondents, 892 men and 951 women participated from rural (n=716) and urban (n=1127) areas. Their mean age was 40.5 (standard deviation 14.7) years. Almost a third did not have any formal schooling. Overall, 30.4% (95% confidence interval, 28.3-32.5) had MSK conditions. Low back pain (18.6%, 16.9-20.5), knee osteoarthritis (7.3%, 6.1-8.5) and soft tissue rheumatism 3.8% (2.9-4.7) were the three top-ranking MSK conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis (1.6%, 1.0-2.1), spondyloarthritis (1.2%, 7-1.8) and frozen shoulder (1.4%, 0.9-1.9) were relatively uncommon. Among those who had rheumatic disorders, 24.8% (21.3-28.6) had some degree of disability. Of them, 24.4% (21.0-28.1) had history of work loss during last 12 months. Being overweight, having history of physical trauma and diabetes mellitus, age and female sex were positively but education was negatively associated with MSK disorders. Conclusions: The high burden of MSK conditions and related disabilities in Bangladesh is high. Further studies are needed to estimate the impact of this group of disorders particularly addressing YLD, quality of life and economic consequences.