Prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints and self-reported joint osteoarthritis in the population of Herne

Background. Musculoskeletal pain is among the most common symptoms in the population and osteoarthritis is the most important underlying disease. Due to demographic changes, an increase in problems with arthritis is to be expected. To assess the impact on individuals affected and the community, data on the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and osteoarthritis are essential. Methods. We performed a telephone survey in a sample of 1,270 inhabitants of the City of Herne, Germany, aged 40 years and older. Participants were asked to give their experience on musculoskeletal pain at the time of the questionnaire and during the last 4 weeks and 12 months. Further questions were whether the knee or hip were the site of most severe pain and if osteoarthritis was ever diagnosed by a physician. Standardized prevalences are reported according to age. Results. A total of 862 (67.9%) persons participated and participants were significantly older and more often female. Musculoskeletal pain on the day of the questionnaire, during the past 4 weeks and the past 12 months was reported in 37.4%, 53.0% and 60.0%, respectively. The knee and hip were predominantly affected in 35.9% and 16.1%, respectively and 26.2% reported that a physician had previously diagnosed osteoarthritis. The prevalences were related to age and gender. Conclusions. Musculoskeletal pain and osteoarthritis affect an important part of the adult urban population. We found associations between self-reported musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis, age and gender. Further studies should evaluate the interference of pain with activities of daily living as well as the use of health services by affected patients.