[Prevalence of Selected Musculoskeletal Conditions in Germany: Results of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1)]

The term musculoskeletal condition (MSKC) comprises inflammatory and degenerative diseases of joints and bones. They are among the most common conditions in older age and cause of severe long-term pain, physical disability, and decrease in quality of life. Data from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1) were used to estimate the life-time prevalence of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoporosis in Germany. A total of 7,988 persons aged 18-79 years (osteoporosis 50-79 years) were asked to report doctor-diagnosed MSKC in face-to-face interviews. Women were more likely to report all MSKC and all prevalences increase with age. Osteoarthritis is reported by 22.3 % of women and 18.1 % of men, RA by 3.2 % of women and 1.9 % of men, and osteoporosis by 13.1 % of women and 3.2 % of men. MSKC are of great relevance for older adults in Germany. Data from DEGS1 provide a lot of information along to MSKC and hereby allow a closer description of the health situation of older adults. An English full-text version of this article is available at SpringerLink as supplemental.