Burden of Osteoarthritis in North Africa and Middle East From 1990 to 2021: Findings From the Global Burden of Disease 2021 Study Publisher Pubmed



Rashidi A ; Bastan MM ; Golestani A ; Azadnajafabad S ; Rezaei N ; Zeinodinimeymand M ; Busehail M ; Yaqoob M ; Heidariforoozan M ; Rashidi MM
Source: Clinical Rheumatology Published:2026

Abstract

Objective: To quantify the burden of osteoarthritis (OA) and give an account of the most recent data on incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability (YLDs) of OA for the North Africa and Middle East (NAME) region over time with a particular focus on changes from 1990 to 2021. Method: In this epidemiological study, data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study were used. The prevalence, incidence, and YLDs of OA were obtained for both sexes in 21 countries of the NAME region. These estimates are reported in the form of all-age numbers and age-standardized rates, together with their 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). Result: The all-age numbers of incidence, prevalence, and YLDs in 2021 were about 2.7 million (95% UIs, 2.4 to 3.0), 30.5 million (27.1 to 33.7), and 1.0 million (0.5 to 2.1). From 1990 to 2021, the burden of OA was higher in females than in males, and the rates of prevalence and YLDs increased as age rose. However, the rate of incidence increased until the ages 60–64 and then decreased. Kuwait had the highest burden, whereas Afghanistan had the lowest burden. The highest burden among OA subgroups was related to knee OA, while hip OA had the least attributable burden. Overall, the burden of OA had a direct association with the sociodemographic index (SDI). Conclusion: In summary, the prevalence, incidence, and YLD rates of osteoarthritis have shown an upward trend across most countries. The disease is positively associated with female sex, age, and SDI, implementing targeted medical prevention and treatment interventions in high-SDI countries. (Table presented.) © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) 2025.