P098 Estimating the prevalence and predictors of musculoskeletal disability in Tanzania: a pilot study

Background/Aims Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are among the major causes of disability worldwide, accounting for 20% of all years lived with disability. MSK disorders are linked to other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as their adverse impact on mobility may promote the development of other NCDs. Prevalence studies of MSK disorders in Africa are limited with most coming from South Africa, while none have been previously performed in Tanzania. Screening for MSK disorders is not routinely conducted in health care facilities and there are no registered consultants working in this field in Tanzania. This pilot study aimed to provide an initial estimate of the prevalence and predictors of MSK disability to inform the design of a more detailed study of MSK disorders in Tanzania. Methods A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted in Kirima village, Hai District, Kilimanjaro region which has a total population of 1,911 people. We obtained ethical approval to invite each eligible individual to consent to supervised examination using the Gait, Arms, Legs and Spine (GALS) assessment tool (adults aged 18 years and over) or the paediatric GALS (pGALS) assessment tool (children aged 5 to 17 years old). In those where these screening tools detected an abnormality, we then performed a full Regional Examination of Musculoskeletal System (REMS). We also assessed functional status and physical disability in all GALS positive subjects using the Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (MHAQ) tool. All adults were assessed during planned accompanied household visits, while a substantial number of the children were assessed while at school. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to assess the influence of demographic variables on GALS, REMS and MHAQ outcomes. Results A substantial number of adults (270) and children (491) could not be contacted or declined to consent to examination. Among the 1150 people who did consent, the prevalence of GALS/pGALS positivity was 8.2% (95% CI: 6.6-9.8), while REMS was positive in 3.5% (95% CI: 2.4-4.5). Female gender and increasing age were both significantly associated with each of GALS and REMS positivity. The MHAQ score was strongly associated with REMS positivity and significantly associated with GALS positivity, equating to worse function and greater disability. Conclusion These initial prevalence estimates and predictors of MSK disability are comparable to those seen elsewhere in the world. Greater detail on the prevalence of specific MSK disorders in Tanzania will require larger and more detailed studies. Disclosure N.M. Yongolo: None. C. Bunn: None. J. Halliday: None. B. Mtesha: None. C. Kelly: None. A. Mwingwa: None. S. Biswaro: None. S. Siebert: None. A. Hemed: None. R. Walker: None. E. McIntosh: None. B. Mmbaga: None.