Prevalence ofjoint complaints among children and teenagers of Bashkortostan (data of a questionnaire study)

Abstract

Objective. To study prevalence ofjoint complaints among children (0-17 years of age) in Bashkiria. Material and methods. Study sample was formed in 4 cities and 2 country regions where 51633 children aged 017 years live. Questionnaire constructed by the Institute of Rheumatology of RAMS and adapted to children age was used. 43907 (85%) of children and/or their parents were evaluated. Results. Joint pain were revealed in 5478 (12,5%), joint swelling - in 761 (1,7%) children. Total 5520 (12,6%) children had arthralgia and/or joint swelling. Conclusion. Joint complaints are quite frequent in children (12,6%). According to the results of the I stage of the study a group of children for thorough clinical and instrumental examination was formed to reveal prevalence and structure of juvenile chronic arthritides.