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Musculoskeletal consultations from childhood to adulthood: a longitudinal study
N Prathivadi Bhayankaram1, R J Lacey1, L A Barnett1
1Primary Care Centre Versus Arthitis, School of Primary, Community and Social Care, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK.
Journal of Public Health (Oxford, England)
|November 28, 2019
Summary
Musculoskeletal conditions are common causes of disability. Healthcare consultations for these conditions increase with age from childhood to young adulthood, with pain being the primary reason. Rates remain stable over time.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Musculoskeletal Health
Background:
- Musculoskeletal conditions are significant global causes of disability.
- Longitudinal studies tracking these conditions from childhood to adulthood are scarce.
- Understanding early-life onset is crucial for lifelong management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal changes in musculoskeletal consultation prevalence from childhood to adulthood.
- To identify age- and gender-specific patterns in musculoskeletal consultations.
- To analyze the primary reasons for seeking healthcare for musculoskeletal issues.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of nine birth cohorts (ages 7-15) using electronic health records from 11 English general practices.
- Calculation of annual musculoskeletal consultation prevalence.
- Evaluation of reasons for consultation, focusing on pain types and locations.
Main Results:
- Musculoskeletal consultation prevalence increased from 6% at age 7 to 16% by age 22.
- Prevalence was higher in males until age 15, then higher in females.
- Back pain consultations rose significantly, from 1 to 84 per 1000 individuals between ages 7 and 22.
Conclusions:
- Individuals increasingly seek healthcare for musculoskeletal issues as they age from childhood.
- Consultation rates for musculoskeletal conditions are not rising over time.
- Age, gender, and pain region data can inform life-course studies on chronic musculoskeletal pain development.
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