P105 Prevalence and associated factors of musculoskeletal joint disease in the community setting in Hai district, northern Tanzania

Abstract Background/Aims There is little evidence on the prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) joint disorders, in particular around inflammatory and degenerative arthritis, in sub-Saharan Africa. In Tanzania specifically, the prevalence and distribution of these conditions in the population has never been studied and the nature of existing joint disorders and the associated factors are therefore unknown. The aim of this study is to establish the prevalence of MSK joint disease and associated factors among the rural population in Tanzania. Methods Households in the Hai district were randomly selected using a two-stage cluster sampling approach with villages selected with a probability proportional to size. Consenting individuals aged 5 years and above were screened for the presence of MSK joint problems using the Gait Arms Legs and Spine (GALS) examination. Individuals screened positive by the GALS exam, were further assessed using the Regional Examination of the Musculoskeletal System (REMS). Demographic and other information were gathered via questionnaire and subsequently checked for association with a positive REMS exam. Data were analysed in STATA using a mixed model logistic regression with village, household, and examiner as random effects. Results The overall prevalence of MSK joint disease (REMS positive) among the 2697 examined individuals (1969 Adults & 728 children <18 years) was 5.9 % (CI: 5.1%-6.9%). Adult females have significantly higher odds of screening positive than adult males (Odds Ratio (OR): 2.2; CI: 1.5-3.2; p < 0.01). The prevalence of MSK joint problems varied significantly with age, with only 0.1 % (CI: 0%-0.75%) of children aged 5-18 years screening positive with REMS compared to 1.3% (CI: 0.7%-2.3%) of people aged 18-45 years, 9.1% (CI: 7.0%-11.6%) aged 46-65 years, 21.7% (CI: 17.1%-26.8%) aged 66-85 years, and 31.8% (CI: 20.6%-44.7%) of those aged over 85. We found that people living in mid-level altitudes had the highest odds of screening positive with REMS (OR midland vs lowland = 2.1; CI: 1.4-3.3, p = 0.01; OR highland vs lowland = 1.5; CI: 1-2.3, p = 0.081). Conclusion Our study provides new insight into the prevalence and distribution of MSK joint disease in rural communities in Tanzania and into the factors associated with higher odds of screening positive with the REMS examination. Results from this study will help build the evidence around the prevalence of MSK joint diseases and factors associated with them in Tanzania. This will enable researchers and practitioners to facilitate the diagnosis and management of Arthritis and other MSK conditions in the population and to improve the health of people living with these diseases in Tanzania. Disclosure S.J. Krauth: None. N. Yongolo: None. S. Biswaro: None. C. Kelly: None. R.W. Walker: None. S. Siebert: None. M. Deidda: None. S. Wyke: None. J. Halliday: None. B.T. Mmbaga: None. E. McIntosh: None.