Arthritis among patients attending GMC hospital, Ajman, UAE: a cross sectional survey

ABSTRACT

To assess the frequency and contributing factors of arthritis among patients in GMC hospital, Ajman, UAE. A cross sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted in 304 patients attending the Out-patient departments of GMC hospital. Variables included socio -demographic variables, type and location of arthritis, aggravating and relieving factors. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 20. Chi square test was done for associations, p value less than 0.05 is considered to be significant. The total number of patients surveyed 17.4% had arthritis, 18.8% of males and 13.4% of females had arthritis. Patients with the highest BMI had the highest frequency of arthritis [20.4%]. Arthritis was seen in 31.9% of smokers 11.0% of non-smokers highest frequency of arthritis was seen in UAE nationals. The frequency of arthritis increased with increasing age. The most common type of the disease was osteoarthritis at 47.1%. Knee was the most common site of arthritis. The workers in the skilled category had the highest percentage of arthritis. Pain was reported as the most common symptom amongst Arthritis patients. The most common exercise among arthritis patients was walking. The most common aggravating factor was changing position and the least common was temperature. The most common relieving factor was rest and the least common was medication. Among the different management therapies for our arthritis patients, the most commonly used therapy Analgesics. The frequency of arthritis was in about one fifth of our patients. Arthritis was more among smokers and obese individuals. These risk factors can be modified by increasing awareness among patients