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  1. Salari N, Mohammadi A, Hemmati M, Hasheminezhad R, Kani S, Shohaimi S, et al.
    BMC Pregnancy Childbirth, 2023 Dec 02;23(1):830.
    PMID: 38042815 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-06151-x
    BACKGROUND: Back pain during pregnancy is often considered as an unavoidable problem and can reduce the quality of life or disability of pregnant women. The aim of this study is to determine the global prevalence of back pain in pregnancy based on a systematic review and meta-analysis.

    METHODS: In this study, Researchers systematically searched electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar search engines for studies until September 2023. To analyze data, the random effects model was used, and the heterogeneity of the studies was checked with the I2 index. Data analysis was performed by software (Version 2 Comprehensive Meta-Analysis).

    RESULTS: In the review of 28 studies with a sample size of 12,908 people, the I2 heterogeneity test showed high heterogeneity (I2: 98.4). Based on this, the random effects method was used to analyze the results. Therefore, the meta-analysis reported the global prevalence of back pain at 40.5 (95% CI: 33-48.4) during pregnancy. Also, according to the meta-analysis, the global prevalence of back pain in the first trimester of pregnancy is 28.3 (95%CI: 10.5-57.1), in the second trimester is 36.8 (95%CI: 30.4-43.7) and in the third trimester of pregnancy was reported as 47.8 (95% CI: 37.2-58.6).

    CONCLUSION: In this meta-analysis, the overall prevalence of back pain in pregnant women was reported to be significant, so it is necessary for health policymakers to pay more attention to complications during pregnancy, in addition to increasing society's awareness of pregnant mothers, with timely diagnosis and treatment of such disorders, it can lead to improvement; and reduction in Complications caused by pregnancy and becoming more pleasant during pregnancy.

    Matched MeSH terms: Back Pain/epidemiology
  2. Ibrahim MI, Zubair IU, Shafei MN, Ahmad MI, Yaacob NM
    PMID: 32824040 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165916
    The prevalence of low back pain (LBP) among nurses is high. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive LBP module based on the Back School Program in improving Oswestry Disability Scores (ODSs) among nurses in government hospitals in Penang, Malaysia. A cluster-randomized experimental study was conducted within four public hospitals. These hospitals were randomized to intervention and control groups. A total of 284 nurses from the selected hospitals were randomly selected (142 in each group). An interactive LBP intervention module based on the Back School Program was designed and prescribed. Both the intervention and control groups were assessed using the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire at baseline and at the end of the third and sixth weeks. Out of 284 participants, 281 completed this study. A between-group comparison revealed that ODSs were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group at the ends of the third (p = 0.006) and sixth weeks (p < 0.001). Within-group changes revealed a significant reduction in ODSs within the intervention group from baseline to the third (p < 0.001) and sixth weeks (p < 0.001) of the intervention. This simple interactive LBP module was effective in reducing symptoms of LBP among nurses as early as three weeks, and this effect was sustained until the sixth week of the intervention.
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain/epidemiology
  3. Kean Chen C, Nizar AJ
    Pain Pract, 2013 Apr;13(4):276-81.
    PMID: 22863240 DOI: 10.1111/j.1533-2500.2012.00585.x
    Piriformis syndrome is a collection of symptoms and signs of pain from piriformis muscle and is characterized by pain in buttock with variable involvement of sciatic nerve. This syndrome is often overlooked in clinical practice because its presentation has similarities with other spine pathologies. A major problem with the clinical diagnosis of piriformis syndrome is the lack of consistent objective findings and an absence of single test that is specific for piriformis syndrome. Therefore, a precise and reliable clinical method of diagnosing piriformis syndrome should be developed by clinicians.
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain/epidemiology
  4. Henry LJ, Jafarzadeh Esfehani A, Ramli A, Ishak I, Justine M, Mohan V
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2015 Mar;27(2):NP1785-92.
    PMID: 23417907 DOI: 10.1177/1010539513475657
    This study investigated the patterns of ongoing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) and exposure risk to musculoskeletal injuries for various body regions among palm plantation workers. Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (SNMQ) was used to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders symptoms. The Quick Exposure check (QEC) was used to assess the exposure risk of farmers to WRMDs. The common pattern of WRMDs was back pain (40%), followed by shoulder pain (19%). The QEC revealed high exposure risk for neck (56%), followed by back (45.6%). The results from the SNMQ showed that 58% reported pain in 1 region, followed by 2 regions (10.7%) and 3 regions (3.6%). Back pain and shoulder pain were found to be common among workers in palm plantation occupation. Nevertheless, the neck region appeared to have the highest risk of exposure to injuries.
    Matched MeSH terms: Back Pain/epidemiology
  5. Chan ST
    Med J Malaysia, 1995 Sep;50(3):241-5.
    PMID: 8926902
    This prospective survey attempt to study the incidence of post-operative back pain after lumbar epidural anesthesia for non-obstetric patterns and the correlation of this symptom with various contributing factors. One hundred and five patients who were given lumbar epidural anaesthesia as the sole anaesthesia for non-obstetric surgery were studied. The choice of equipment, number of attempts at giving the injection, duration of surgery and position of patient during surgery were documented. One week post-operatively, the patients were asked whether they recalled any back pain. The nature, duration and severity of the back pain was documented. Statistical analysis was achieved by using Chi-squared test. Twenty-eight patients recalled "injection site tenderness" post-operatively. The pain was mild to moderate in severity and lasted up to 4 days. None of the studied patients had post-operative "backache". The pain showed no significant correlation with needle size, technique of injection, use of epidural catheter, patient's position during surgery, duration and number of attempts made during epidural injection.
    Matched MeSH terms: Back Pain/epidemiology*
  6. Awang Lukman K, Jeffree MS, Rampal KG
    Int J Occup Saf Ergon, 2019 Mar;25(1):8-16.
    PMID: 28978270 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2017.1388571
    A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of lower back pain (LBP) and its association with whole-body vibration (WBV) and manual materials handling (MMH). We studied 110 commercial vehicle drivers using a self-administered questionnaire and the VI-400Pro human vibration monitor. Prevalence of LBP was 66.4%. The percentage of drivers who had frequent manual handling of heavy loads was 45.5% and those who handled heavy loads in awkward postures accounted for 86.4%. Daily vibration A(8) averaged on the z axis was 0.25 (0.06) m·s-2 and at vector sum was 0.29 (0.07) m·s-2. Daily vibration exposures on the z axis, frequent manual handling of heavy loads and awkward posture during MMH were significantly associated with LBP. Drivers who are exposed to WBV and frequently handle heavy loads manually and with awkward postures probably have more LBP than drivers who are exposed to only one of these risk factors.
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain/epidemiology*
  7. Coggon D, Ntani G, Walker-Bone K, Palmer KT, Felli VE, Harari R, et al.
    Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 2017 May 15;42(10):740-747.
    PMID: 27820794 DOI: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000001956
    STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey with a longitudinal follow-up.

    OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that pain, which is localized to the low back, differs epidemiologically from that which occurs simultaneously or close in time to pain at other anatomical sites SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA.: Low back pain (LBP) often occurs in combination with other regional pain, with which it shares similar psychological and psychosocial risk factors. However, few previous epidemiological studies of LBP have distinguished pain that is confined to the low back from that which occurs as part of a wider distribution of pain.

    METHODS: We analyzed data from CUPID, a cohort study that used baseline and follow-up questionnaires to collect information about musculoskeletal pain, associated disability, and potential risk factors, in 47 occupational groups (office workers, nurses, and others) from 18 countries.

    RESULTS: Among 12,197 subjects at baseline, 609 (4.9%) reported localized LBP in the past month, and 3820 (31.3%) nonlocalized LBP. Nonlocalized LBP was more frequently associated with sciatica in the past month (48.1% vs. 30.0% of cases), occurred on more days in the past month and past year, was more often disabling for everyday activities (64.1% vs. 47.3% of cases), and had more frequently led to medical consultation and sickness absence from work. It was also more often persistent when participants were followed up after a mean of 14 months (65.6% vs. 54.1% of cases). In adjusted Poisson regression analyses, nonlocalized LBP was differentially associated with risk factors, particularly female sex, older age, and somatizing tendency. There were also marked differences in the relative prevalence of localized and nonlocalized LBP by occupational group.

    CONCLUSION: Future epidemiological studies should distinguish where possible between pain that is limited to the low back and LBP that occurs in association with pain at other anatomical locations.

    LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain/epidemiology*
  8. GBD 2019 MSK in Adolescents Collaborators
    Med, 2024 Aug 09;5(8):943-962.e6.
    PMID: 38834074 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2024.04.009
    BACKGROUND: This study aims to estimate the burden, trends, forecasts, and disparities of early musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders among individuals ages 15 to 39 years.

    METHODS: The global prevalence, years lived with disabilities (YLDs), disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), projection, and inequality were estimated for early MSK diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), low back pain (LBP), neck pain (NP), gout, and other MSK diseases (OMSKDs).

    FINDINGS: More adolescents and young adults were expected to develop MSK disorders by 2050. Across five age groups, the rates of prevalence, YLDs, and DALYs for RA, NP, LBP, gout, and OMSKDs sharply increased from ages 15-19 to 35-39; however, these were negligible for OA before age 30 but increased notably at ages 30-34, rising at least 6-fold by 35-39. The disease burden of gout, LBP, and OA attributable to high BMI and gout attributable to kidney dysfunction increased, while the contribution of smoking to LBP and RA and occupational ergonomic factors to LBP decreased. Between 1990 and 2019, the slope index of inequality increased for six MSK disorders, and the relative concentration index increased for gout, NP, OA, and OMSKDs but decreased for LBP and RA.

    CONCLUSIONS: Multilevel interventions should be initiated to prevent disease burden related to RA, NP, LBP, gout, and OMSKDs among individuals ages 15-19 and to OA among individuals ages 30-34 to tightly control high BMI and kidney dysfunction.

    FUNDING: The Global Burden of Disease study is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The project is funded by the Scientific Research Fund of Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital (2022QN38).

    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain/epidemiology
  9. Rozali A, Rampal KG, Shamsul Bahri MT, Mohd Sidik S, Shamsul Azhar S, Khairuddin H, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2009 Sep;64(3):197-204.
    PMID: 20527267 MyJurnal
    A cross sectional study was conducted among military armoured vehicle drivers in the two largest mechanized battalions with the objective to determine the prevalence of low back pain (LBP), and its association with whole body vibration (WBV) and other associated factors. A self-administered questionnaire and Human Vibration Meter were used in this study. A total of 159 respondents participated in this study and 102 (64.2%) of them were subjected to WBV measurement. One-hundred-and-seventeen respondents complained of LBP for the past 12 months giving a prevalence of 73.6%. The prevalence of LBP among tracked armoured vehicle drivers was higher (81.7%) as compared to wheeled armoured vehicle drivers (67.0%). The mean acceleration at Z-axis in tracked armoured vehicles (1.09 +/- 0.26 ms(-2)) and wheeled armoured vehicles (0.33 +/- 0.07 ms) were the dominant vibration directions. The mean estimated vibration dose value (eVDV) for eight-hour daily exposure at Z-axis (19.86 +/- 4.72 ms(-1.75)) in tracked armoured vehicles showed the highest estimation. Based on the European Vibration Directive (2002), the mean eVDV at Z-axis in tracked armoured vehicles exceeded exposure action value (EAV) (> 9.1 ms(-1.75), but did not exceed exposure limit value (ELV) (<21.0 ms(-1.75)). Logistic regression analysis revealed that only driving in forward bending sitting posture (OR = 3.63, 95% CI 1.06-12.42) and WBV exposure at X-axis (OR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.02-3.69) were significant risk factors to LBP. Preventive measures should be implemented to minimize risk of WBV and to improve ergonomic postures among drivers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain/epidemiology
  10. Syed Alwi SA, Lee PY, Awi I, Mallik PS, Md Haizal MN
    Climacteric, 2009 Dec;12(6):548-56.
    PMID: 19905907 DOI: 10.3109/13697130902919519
    OBJECTIVES:
    To document the common menopausal symptoms and quality of life in indigenous women of Sarawak in Malaysia.

    METHODS:
    A face-to-face interview using the Menopause-specific Quality of Life questionnaire was conducted with 276 indigenous Sarawakian women aged 40-65 years to determine the mean age of menopause and common symptoms (divided into vasomotor, psychosocial, physical and sexual domains) associated with menopause.

    RESULTS:
    The mean age at menopause of postmenopausal women was 50.78 +/- 2.47 years (range 47.3-58.2 years). The most common symptoms reported were aching in muscles and joints (82.6%), lack of energy (77.5%) and low backache (77.2%). The typical menopausal symptoms of hot flushes, night sweats, sweating and vaginal dryness were experienced by 42.4%, 34.8%, 29.7% and 49.3%, respectively of the women studied. Perimenopausal women (n = 114) experienced the most physical and psychosocial symptoms, while postmenopausal women (n = 102) experienced most sexual symptoms. Perimenopausal and postmenopausal women were reported to suffer more than premenopausal women (p < 0.001) within the four domains of symptoms (vasomotor, psychosocial, physical and sexual).

    CONCLUSIONS:
    The menopausal symptoms in this study correspond to those in other studies on Asian women but the prevalence of typical and classical menopausal symptoms was lower compared to studies on Caucasian women. The perimenopausal women had the most significant decrease in quality of life, followed by postmenopausal women and premenopausal women. Vasomotor symptoms had a predominant influence on the quality of life.
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain/epidemiology
  11. Zamri EN, Hoe VCW, Moy FM
    Ind Health, 2020 Jun 09;58(3):254-264.
    PMID: 31666460 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2019-0106
    Low back pain (LBP) is prevalent among workers both in developed and developing countries. School teachers represent a high proportion of the working population in Malaysia. However, there is a lack of longitudinal study on predictors and course of LBP among teachers. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the predictors and course of LBP among secondary school teachers. Longitudinal data of 701 teachers in Selangor, Malaysia were collected from May 2015 to October 2016. Associations between predictors and LBP were analysed using logistic regression and reported as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). At 12-month of follow-up, 44% (95%CI: 40.6%, 48.0%) of the participants reported having LBP. In the regression model that included all risk factors, only LBP at baseline (OR 10.43, 95%CI: 6.19, 17.58) was associated with LBP at 12-month follow-up. When LBP at baseline was removed from the model, anxiety symptom (OR 2.51, 95%CI: 1.19, 5.30) and lifting heavy weights (OR 4.16, 95%CI: 1.40, 12.30) were found to be significantly associated with LBP at 12-month follow-up. In conclusion, issues on anxiety and lifting heavy weights should be addressed to reduce the occurrence of LBP despite the presence of health condition itself (LBP at baseline).
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain/epidemiology*
  12. Shariat A, Cardoso JR, Cleland JA, Danaee M, Ansari NN, Kargarfard M, et al.
    Work, 2018;60(2):191-199.
    PMID: 29865103 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182738
    BACKGROUND: Malaysian office workers often experience Musculoskeletal Discomfort (MSD) which is typically related to the low back, shoulders, and neck.

    OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to examine the occurrence of lower back, shoulder, and neck pain among Malaysian office workers.

    METHODS: 752 subjects (478 women and 274 men) were randomly selected from the Malaysian office workers population of 10,000 individuals. The participants were aged between 20-50 years and had at least one year of work experience. All participants completed the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ). Instructions to complete the questinnaire were given to the participants under the researchers supervision in the morning before they started a day of work. The participants were then classified into four categories based on body mas index (BMI) (BMI:≤18.4, 18.5-24.99, 25-29.99, ≥30) and age (Age: 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, ≥50).

    RESULTS: There was a significant association between pain severity in gender and right (p = 0.046) and left (p = 0.041) sides of the shoulders. There was also a significant association between BMI and severity of pain in the lower back area (p = 0.047). It was revealed that total pain score in the shoulders was significantly associated with age (p = 0.041).

    CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrated that a significant correlation existed between pain servity for gender in both right and left shoulder. These findings require further scientific investigation as do the identification of effective preventative stratgies.

    Matched MeSH terms: Back Pain/epidemiology*
  13. Ibrahim MI, Zubair IU, Yaacob NM, Ahmad MI, Shafei MN
    PMID: 31683911 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16214254
    OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and its associated factors among the nurses working in the public hospitals of Penang, Malaysia.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on nurses, aged 25-60 years, who had been working for at least three months at six public hospitals of Penang. A proportionate stratified random sampling method was applied to select 1292 respondents. The Malay-validated BACKS Tool questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale was used to obtain data. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.

    RESULTS: A total of 989 (76.5%) nurses suffered from LBP at a point of time. The factors significantly associated with LBP among the nurses included working more than seven hours [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) 1.48 (1.06, 1.98)], twisting of the body while working [AOR (95% CI) 1.60 (1.13, 2.26)], manual handling of patients in wards [AOR (95% CI) 1.44 (1.08, 2.07)], and fatigue [AOR (95% CI) 2.63 (1.94, 3.58)].

    CONCLUSION: The prevalence of LBP among the nurses in the public hospitals of Penang was relatively high. The factors predicting LBP included working more than seven hours a day, twisting of the body while working, manual handling, and fatigue. The findings from this study may better enable policymakers to devote resources to minimize low back pain among nurses. The nurses should be encouraged to comply with safe working procedures.

    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain/epidemiology*
  14. Kew Y, Tan CY, Ng CJ, Thang SS, Tan LH, Khoo YK, et al.
    Rheumatol Int, 2017 Apr;37(4):633-639.
    PMID: 28013358 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-016-3633-x
    The prevalence of neuropathic low back pain differs in different ethnic populations. The aims of the study are to determine its frequency and associations in a multi-ethnic cohort of Asian low back pain patients. This was a cross-sectional study of low back patients seen at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Neuropathic low back pain patients were identified using the painDETECT questionnaire and compared with non-neuropathic (unclear or nociceptive) low back pain patients, in terms of socio-demographic and clinical factors, pain severity (numerical pain rating scale, NPRS), disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, RMDQ), as well as anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS). Of 210 patients, 26 (12.4%) have neuropathic low back pain. Neuropathic pain is associated with non-Chinese ethnicity, higher body mass index and pain radiation below the knee. Patients with neuropathic pain have significantly higher NPRS and RMDQ scores, and there are more subjects with anxiety on HADS. However, there are no differences between the groups in age, gender, pain duration or underlying diagnosis of low back pain. The prevalence of neuropathic low back pain in a multi-ethnic Malaysian cohort is lower than previously reported in other populations with possible differences between ethnic groups. It is associated with greater pain severity, disability and anxiety.
    Study site: Spine Clinic, University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain/epidemiology*
  15. Ganasegeran K, Perianayagam W, Nagaraj P, Al-Dubai SA
    Occup Med (Lond), 2014 Jul;64(5):372-5.
    PMID: 24727561 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqu039
    BACKGROUND:
    Low back pain (LBP) is the most costly ailment in the work force. Risky work behaviour and psychological stress are established risk factors.

    AIMS:
    To explore the associations between workplace risk factors, psychological stress and LBP among Malaysian railway workers.

    METHODS:
    A cross-sectional study was carried out on railway workers in Malaysia. Socio-demographics, workplace risk factors for LBP, perceived psychological stress and history of LBP over the previous month were obtained by direct interviews using a structured closed-ended questionnaire. Descriptive, bivariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted.

    RESULTS:
    There were 513 study participants (70% response rate). The prevalence of LBP in the previous month was 69%. Multivariate analysis yielded four significant predictors of LBP: employment of ≥ 10 years, lifting and lowering heavy loads, prolonged standing posture and psychological stress.

    CONCLUSIONS:
    The high prevalence of LBP and its significant associations with physical and psychological stress factors in railway workers points to an urgent need for preventive measures, particularly among workers in high-risk occupations.
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain/epidemiology
  16. Ng CT, Tan MP
    Age Ageing, 2013 Sep;42(5):561-6.
    PMID: 23864423 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/aft070
    Osteoarthritis and falls are common conditions affecting older individuals which are associated with disability and escalating health expenditure. It has been widely assumed that osteoarthritis is an established risk factor for falls in older people. The relationship between osteoarthritis and falls has, quite surprisingly, not been adequately elucidated, and published reports have been conflicting. Our review of the existing literature has found limited evidence supporting the current assumption that the presence of osteoarthritis is associated with increased risk of falls with suggestions that osteoarthritis may actually be protective against falls related fractures. In addition, joint arthroplasty appears to increase the risk of falls in individuals with osteoarthritis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Back Pain/epidemiology
  17. Tamrin SB, Yokoyama K, Jalaludin J, Aziz NA, Jemoin N, Nordin R, et al.
    Ind Health, 2007 Apr;45(2):268-78.
    PMID: 17485871
    To determine the risk factors associated with complain of low back pain. A cross sectional study was done from June 2004 until August 2005. Seven hundred and sixty commercial vehicle drivers from 11 bus companies in central, northern and eastern regions in Malaysia participated in this study. Modified Nordic questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of low back pain; Maestro human vibration meter was used to measure the personal R.M.S values of lateral, anterior-posterior and vertical axes. Modified Owas was used to assess the awkward posture of the driver torso namely, bending forward movement, leaning, sitting straight and twisting. Profile of Mood States (POMS) was used to evaluate the mood states of bus drivers with complain of low back pain. A high prevalence of low back pain (60.4%) among Malaysian commercial vehicle drivers was found. Logistic regression analysis controlling for age, income, education level and non occupational activities revealed that the following factors were related to low back pain: Tension-anxiety [1.080, 95% CI 1.041-1.121], depression dejection [1.047, 95% CI 1.023-1.072], anger-hostility [1.053, 95% CI 1.027-1.081], fatigue [1.132, 95% CI 1.089-1.177] and confusion [1.114, 95% CI 1.061-1.169] of POMS, length of employment [1.001, 95% CI 1.0-1.003], steering wheel adjustment [1.521, 95% CI 1.101-2.101], perception of exposing to vibration [1.943, 95% CI 1.389-2.719]. In conclusion, combinations of risks lead to high increase of low back pain complain among Malaysian bus drivers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain/epidemiology*
  18. Veerapen K, Wigley RD, Valkenburg H
    J Rheumatol, 2007 Jan;34(1):207-13.
    PMID: 17216688
    Objective. To assess the nature and extent of rheumatic complaints in a semirural area in a multiracial (Malay, Indian, Chinese) community in Malaysia using the Community Oriented Program for the Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) protocol initiated by ILAR and the WHO.
    Methods. All members of a community of 2700 persons over the age of 15 years were offered a questionnaire based interview in Phase 1 of the study. Those with rheumatic complaints (pain in the last 1 week) were invited for a physical examination by a rheumatologist in Phase 2.
    Results. In total, 2594 (96%) persons agreed to a questionnaire based interview. Of those interviewed, 21.1% had a current rheumatic complaint. The pain rate was higher in women (23.8%) than in men (17.8%). Chinese men had the lowest age-standardized pain rate (9.9%), while Indian women had the highest rate (28.4%). In the study population, 14.4% complained of pain in the joints and/or musculoskeletal pain and 11.6% had low back pain. The knee was responsible for 64.8% of all complaints pertaining to the joints, and more than half those examined with knee pain had clinical evidence of osteoarthritis (OA). The complaint rate increased with age, up to 53.4% in the group age > 65 years. The major disability encountered was the inability to squat (3.1%). Fibromyalgia, soft tissue lesions, and localized OA of the knees were the main clinical diagnoses. Inflammatory arthritis was uncommon. Both Western and traditional sources of healthcare were used, often together. Self-medication was common (58.8%).
    Conclusion. Knee and back pain are the main rheumatic complaints in Malaysia, with complaint rates differing according to race and gender.
    Matched MeSH terms: Back Pain/epidemiology*
  19. Zeng QY, Chen R, Xiao ZY, Huang SB, Liu Y, Xu JC, et al.
    J Rheumatol, 2004 Dec;31(12):2439-43.
    PMID: 15570648
    To determine whether the previously noted low prevalence of knee pain (KP) and lumbar pain (LP) in rural southern China compared with the high prevalence observed in North China was also true in a southern urban population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain/epidemiology*
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