Determinants of Joint Pain Management Among Adults of 45 Years and Above in Migori County, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Globally, approximately 1.71 billion people suffer from musculoskeletal conditions, which account to about 17% of global YLDs. In Kenya, majority of patients (75.14%) with joint pains are 41 years and above. Problem Statement: A 2016 survey by KIHBS revealed that Migori County is among the counties with the least proportion of individuals seeking health worker/facility diagnosis of joint pain at 18% against the national average of 28.3%. This leads to a rise in the use of nonconventional methods in joint pain management. Study Objectives: The general purpose of this study was to assess the determinants of joint pain management among adults of 45 years and above in Migori County. The specific objectives assessed how socio demographic factors, awareness, and practices affect joint pain management. Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional design was used. The study was conducted in Migori County with a sample size of 323 respondents. Results: On socio-demographic factors, Marital status (P = 0.033) and health insurance (P = 0.026) were found to be statistically associated with joint pain management outcome. On awareness factors, awareness of hospital based pain management programs (P = 0.035), awareness of hospitals with MOPC programs (P = 0.050), and awareness of community based pain management programs (P = 0.050) were significant. On practices, taking a class/lesson on joint pain (P = 0.012), herbal medication use (P = 0.050), and OTC medication use (P = 0.045) were significant. Furthermore, a multinomial logistic regression analysis indicated that the number of people living in a household (p = 0.042) and having a health insurance (p = 0.000) are significantly related to satisfactory outcome in joint pain management. The study recommends increasing awareness and education, particularly in rural areas; expansion of insurance coverage; and expansion of community outreach programs and resources for joint pain management.