PREVALENCE OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IN YOUNG MALES

Abstract

Abstract

Background: There has been a global increase in the burden of rheumatoid arthritis among adolescents and young adults, in recent decades, making it a significant public health issue.

Objective: To find the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in young males visiting the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital.

Material and Methods: The Cross-sectional, took place at Department of Medicine, PAF hospital, Islamabad, from October 2024 to December 2024. A total of 200 young males aging between 18 to 40 years visiting the department due to any medical complain/accompanied with other patients were included in this study after taking their consent for participation. Early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA) criteria was employed to diagnose the presence of rheumatoid arthritis. Diagnostic investigations including comprehensive clinical assessments (clinical evaluations of joint symptoms) and serological markers (rheumatoid factor and Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide antibodies) were performed. Descriptive statistics were employed to present the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis and related demographical, clinical and laboratory findings.

Results: The mean age of participants in this study was31.62±6.01 years. The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis was found to be 9.5%.The evaluation of demographics characteristics and clinical features showed that the mean age of patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis was 37.68±1.97 years. Urban residential status (79%),sedentary and stressful occupational work (68.4%), morning stiffness ≥30 minutes (100%) and arthritis of hand joints (73.7%) were the most common among these patients.

Conclusion: The study revealed a notable prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in young males. The urban residence settings, sedentary and stressful work, morning stiffness of joints specifically arthritis of hand joints underscored the need for screening in young males for early diagnosis.