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HEALTH ARTHRITIS 39 WEIGHTY PROBLEM OF THE GREAT arthritis burden T he worldwide burden of musculoskeletal disorders and the role of obesity and nutrition in their development are presented in a single-paper overview claimed to be a global first. Musculoskeletal disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, neck pain, gout and related conditions. For the overview analysis, researchers examined data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017, which assessed the extent of diseases and injuries across 21 regions and 195 countries and territories from 1990 to 2017. The team found there were some 1.3 billion prevalent cases and 121,300 deaths due to musculoskeletal disorders in 2017, as well as 138.7 million disability- adjusted life years, or the number of years lost due to ill-health. The burden of these diseases generally increased with age for both sexes, was more prevalent among females, and was higher in developed countries. “Our study describes the enormous global burden of disability from musculoskeletal conditions in a single paper,” said senior author Rachelle Buchbinder, an Australian rheumatologist By Nerine Zoio. and clinical epidemiologist and Managing Director of the Cabrini Institute and Monash University. “These conditions are under- recognised despite their enormous costs to individuals, the economy and the health system. Also, there’s been a lack of any significant decline in the burden from these conditions over time, which means there’s still insufficient emphasis on addressing the problem.” Dr Buchbinder notes that policy makers must be made aware of the size of this growing problem, especially in light of rapidly ageing populations around the world. “A global response is needed, and this should be integrated with other strategies that can address some of the modifiable and important risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders, including obesity, poor nutrition, smoking and sedentary lifestyles,” she said. “As well, there should be an emphasis on reducing low-value care for some of the most burdensome conditions, such as low back pain and osteoarthritis, that is contributing to the problem.” Franca Marine, Policy and Government Relations Manager at Arthritis Australia, agrees. “All levels of government in Australia need to get on board to address the growing burden of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions,” she told Retail Pharmacy. “These conditions are already the most expensive conditions in the Australian health system, at more than $12 billion a year, and this cost will only escalate in coming years with an ageing and increasingly obese population. “However, there’s a major mismatch between the cost and burden of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions and their prioritisation in policy and resourcing, which needs to be urgently addressed.” The authors also stressed the need for standardised methods for collecting data on the prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal disorders across the world. These disorders, which affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and joints, can severely affect individuals’ physical and mental health, being especially prevalent among ageing adults. Although many researchers are studying these conditions and their rates in different regions of the world, no study to date has provided an overview TO PAGE 40 RETAIL PHARMACY • JAN/FEB 2021