PREVALENCE OF OSTEOARTHRITIS IN URBAN BIKANERPOPULATION IN WESTERN RAJASTHAN: A WHO ILAR COPCORDSTUDY

Abstract

Background:-COPCORD (Community oriented program from control of rheumatic diseases) is
a global initiative of the WHO/International League of Associations from Rheumatology
(ILAR). The prevalence data from Urban Area, Bikaner District, and North-Western Rajasthan
Carried out in 2008-09, is presented.
Aim:- to study the urban prevalence of osteoarthritis in population of western Rajasthan Bikaner.
Methods:-A cross-sectional survey of the urban population of Bikaner (non-randomized
selection) was completed in five weeks, using validated questionnaires, served by trained
volunteers. 356 patients (7.12%) were identified (Phase 1) from 5000 adults, and systematically
evaluated (Phase 2 and 3) by a medical team, including a rheumatologist; limited investigations
were carried out and diagnosis confirmed during a planned 12 week initial follow-up. Standard
clinical criteria were used for the diagnosis; point prevalence estimates (prev) are shown in
parenthesis.
Result:-There was a dominant distribution of 'pain at all sites' (articular/soft tissues) in the
females (5.06%) as compared to male(2.06%). Among 356 patients of rheumatic
musculoskeletal disease , the osteoarthritis was diagnosed in 183 patients which comprises the
51.4% (females 41.1%; males 20.3%) and remaining 48.6% joint pain was due to other
rheumatic musculoskeletal disorder . The prevalence of osteoarthritis in general population was
3.66% (as compared to Bhigwan 5.8% and as compared to 95% CI 1.5-2.7)
Conclusion:-The Bikaner COPCORD survey demonstrates a significant urban spectrum of
rheumatic musculoskeletal disorder (RMSD). It provides a reasonable speculation about the
Indian rheumatological burden with osteoarthritis which scoring first rank