PREVALENCE OF ARTHRITIS IN PATIENTS PRESENTING IN THE OUTDOOR DEPARTMENT

Arthritis is a term often used to mean any disorder that affects joints. Symptoms generally include joint pain and stiffness. Other symptoms may include redness, warmth, swelling, and decreased range of motion of the affected joints. In some types of arthritis, other organs are also affected. Onset can be gradual or sudden. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the outdoor department of different hospitals. A total of 134 patients between 40 to 65 years of age, presenting in the outdoor department were included in this study. The demographic data of the patients i.e. name, age, gender, disease history, disease duration, or any other symptoms or clinical findings were noted on a proforma. The analysis was done using Microsoft excel and Medcalc Ver. 19.0. Out of 134, sixty-seven (50%) were females and sixty-seven (50%) were males. The mean age of the patients was 49.23±2.89 years, with a minimum age of 41 years and the maximum age of 59 years. Out of 134, only 52 patients had arthritis. The minimum duration of the disease was 5 years and the maximum duration was 15 years. Out of 52 patients, 31 commented that the pain is usually mild and it settles by using medication. Five patients told that they cannot get up the bed early in the morning