Epidemiology and Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in Developing Countries

Musculoskeletal diseases impose a substantial burden on individuals, healthcare systems, and societies in developing countries. This burden encompasses clinical, economic, and humanistic aspects. The prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions is high, leading to increased healthcare demand and costs. Limited access to specialized care and socioeconomic disparities exacerbate the burden. Musculoskeletal diseases cause chronic pain, disability, and reduced quality of life. The economic burden includes direct healthcare costs and indirect productivity losses. The humanistic burden affects individuals’ physical, emotional, and social well-being, as well as their families and communities. Addressing this burden requires comprehensive strategies, including improving healthcare access, strengthening infrastructure, enhancing workforce capacity, raising awareness, promoting prevention, supporting research, addressing disparities, fostering collaborations, and empowering individuals through patient-centered care.