EPIDEMIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF OSTEOARTHRITIS IN MIDDLE-AGED MONGOLIAN AND SENIOR RESIDENTS OF THE INNER MONGOLIA AUTONOMOUS REGION

Results: Obtained total of 1877 questionnaires were completed. 93% of the residents were unaware of OA-related issues. The prevalence of radiological OA and clinical OA (neck OA: 36.72%; waist OA: 44.02%; knee OA: 12.43%; hand OA: 6.83%) were 62.17% and 56.15%, respectively. Urban residents were more subjected to cervical spine (χ 2 = 8.92, P = 0.005) and less to lumbar spine disease (χ 2 = 10.32, P = 0.004) compared to rural ones. The prevalence of OA in knees and hands of females (χ 2 = 8.65, P = 0.003) was significantly higher than males (χ 2 =4.37, P=0.042). The prevalence of OA in postmenopausal females was slightly higher than males (χ 2 = 3.86, P = 0.052), with no statically significant difference. The risks of OA obviously increased with age. The residents with hypertension, diabetes and atherosclerosis were more subjected to OA. Conclusions: The prevalence of OA in Mongolian middle-aged and senior residents in part of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region was similar to the other ethnic groups. The prevalence of OA was affected by age, gender, location, hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis and osteoporosis. The residents need further educations about OA prevention and treatment.