Assessing the Burden of Osteoarthritis in Africa and the Middle East: A Rapid Evidence Assessment

Abstract

Introduction/Objectives

This rapid evidence assessment (REA) was conducted to assess the burden of weight-bearing joint osteoarthritis in the developing countries of Africa and the Middle East.

Methods

Our REA methodology used a standardized search strategy to identify observational studies, published between January 1, 2010, and April 23, 2020, reporting on outcomes pertaining to the epidemiology and humanistic or economic burden of weight-bearing osteoarthritis. Relevant data from the included studies were used for qualitative analysis.

Results

Among the 20 publications reporting on knee osteoarthritis in 10 countries in Africa and the Middle East, 2 also reported on hip, and 1 on foot osteoarthritis. Prevalence of symptomatic/radiographic knee OA was 9–14% among rheumatology outpatients and 31–34% among those with mixed etiology osteoarthritis. Prevalence of knee OA diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging was 70% among patients ≥40 years of age attending a hospital in Saudi Arabia. Quality-of-life outcomes were reported in 16 publications and suggested a substantial humanistic burden of osteoarthritis, including worse pain, function, and quality of life, and more depression; comparisons between studies were hampered by the variety of tools and scoring scales used, however. No studies reported on economic outcomes.

Conclusion

This REA indicates a substantial burden of osteoarthritis in weight-bearing joints in Africa and the Middle East, consistent with publications from other regions of the world.

Keywords:

• Africa
• burden of disease
• Middle East
• osteoarthritis
• quality of life

Research Involving Human Participants and/or Animals

The manuscript does not contain clinical studies or patient data.

Data Sharing Statement

Upon request, and subject to review, Pfizer will provide the data that support the findings of this study. Subject to certain criteria, conditions and exceptions, Pfizer may also provide access to the related individual de-identified participant data. See https://www.pfizer.com/science/clinical-trials/trial-data-and-results for more information.

Acknowledgments

Sara Lucas, PhD, and Catherine Rolland, PhD, of CURO (part of the Envision Pharma Group) were involved in the design and development of the rapid evidence assessment, which was funded by Pfizer. Medical writing support was provided by Margit Rezabek, DVM, PhD, of Engage Scientific Solutions and was funded by Pfizer and Eli Lilly and Company. Additional editorial support was provided by Vaidehi Wadhwa (Medical Excellence, Emerging Markets, Pfizer).

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

Bassel Elzorkany has received consulting fees, speakers’ honoraria, and research grants from Abbott, AbbVie, Amgen, Aspire, BMS, Eva, Hekma, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, New Bridge, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi-Aventis, and Servier (none of these was related to this manuscript). Mohamed Fathy and Nora Vainstein are employees of and own stock/options in Pfizer. Jamal Al Saleh, Hani Almoallim, Ali Al Belooshi, Omar Batouk, and Abdullah M. Kaki declare that they have no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

This study was sponsored by Pfizer.