Study of Orthopedic Morbidities among Postmenopausal Women in a Medical College Hospital in Rural Area of Western Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Introduction: It is estimated that a total of 130 million Indian women are expected to live beyond menopause by 2015. Health of postmenopausal women is of growing concern because of increased longevity and various morbidities associated with old age. Objectives: 1) To assess various orthopedic problems among postmenopausal women in rural area. 2) To estimate magnitude of common orthopedic problems and associated sociodemographic factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the medical college hospital in rural area of Western Maharashtra on 500 postmenopausal women availing healthcare in a medical college hospital. Data was collected with the help of predesigned questionnaire by interview technique and with the help of case records available from orthopedic department. Results: Backache (62%) and osteoarthritis (51.6%) were common orthopedic problems. Osteoarthritis was significantly associated with obesity.