The Burden of Musculoskeletal Disorders in The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region: A Longitudinal Analysis from The Global Burden of Disease Dataset 1990 - 2019

Background: Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are one of the main causes of disability among adults globally. The burden of MSK disorders varies greatly between different regions and is the highest in low- and middle income- countries. This study sought to investigate trends in the burden of MSK disorders across the MENA region, utilizing the GBD 2019 dataset. Methods This study utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD). Using age standardized rates of prevalence and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), we report trends in the burden of MSK disorders in The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region between 1990 and 2019. Furthermore, we analyze trends in risk factors contributing to MSK disorders. Results In 2019, the age-standardized rate prevalence and DALYs for all MSK disorders among both genders was 17706 [95% UI = 16641, 18794] and 1782 [95% UI = 1278, 2366], respectively. Low back pain continued to be the most prevalent MSK condition in 2019. Afghanistan had the lowest age standardized DALYs rate attributed to MSK disorders (1408 per 100,000; 95% UI = 980–1899), while Iran had the highest burden of 2007 per 100,000 (95% UI = 1440–2655). In 2019, occupational risks, high body mass index, and tobacco smoking were the main risk factors for DALYs of MSK disorders. Conclusion MSK disorders carry a large burden of disease in the MENA region, and multiple risk factors contribute to this increased burden in the past decades. Interventions that address risk factors have the potential to improve health outcomes among the population. Future research should continue to explore the burden of MSK disorders and better understand how to intervene.