In rural Tibet, the prevalence of lower limb pain, especially knee pain, is high: an observational study.

Abstract

QUESTION: What is the point prevalence and 12-month prevalence of lower limb musculoskeletal pain in rural Tibet? Does this differ with gender or age? What factors that could contribute to lower limb musculoskeletal pain are commonly present? DESIGN: Observational study using an investigator-administered questionnaire and observation walks through villages. PARTICIPANTS: 499 people aged 15 years and over living in 19 rural villages of Shigatse Municipality, Tibet. RESULTS: The point prevalence of lower limb musculoskeletal pain was 40% (95% CI 34 to 46) while the 12-month prevalence was 48% (95% CI 42 to 54). In particular, the point prevalence of knee pain was 25% (95% CI 20 to 30) and the ..