Disparities in Urban and Rural Prevalence of Rheumatic Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Comparative Analysis in Lahore, Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v3i1.30Keywords:
Rheumatic Musculoskeletal Disorders, Urban-Rural Disparity, Prevalence, COPCORD Model, LahoreAbstract
BACKGROUND: Rheumatic musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders pose a significant burden on public health, and there is a need for comprehensive epidemiological data to guide healthcare provision. Pakistan, as a developing country, faces its unique challenges related to these disorders. Understanding the prevalence of these disorders in urban and rural settings is crucial to design effective interventions.
OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the urban-rural disparities in the prevalence of rheumatic MSK disorders in Lahore, Pakistan, using a local population sample.
METHODS: Conducted at Link Medical Center, Lahore, this cross-sectional study employed the Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) model. A sample of 1200 adults from both urban and rural settings was selected through a stratified sampling technique. Participants were surveyed for self-reported pain and underwent clinical evaluations for the diagnosis of rheumatic MSK disorders.
RESULTS: The study found higher prevalence rates for osteoarthritis, soft tissue rheumatism, and rheumatoid arthritis in rural participants compared to their urban counterparts. In contrast, the prevalence rates for spondylarthritis and gout showed no significant urban-rural difference. Pain reporting was also significantly higher in the rural sample across all body parts examined.
CONCLUSION: This study highlights a clear urban-rural disparity in the prevalence of rheumatic MSK disorders in Lahore, Pakistan. The findings underscore the necessity for targeted, geography-specific public health interventions and policies to tackle these disorders effectively.
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