Musculoskeletal impairment survey in Rwanda: Design of survey tool, survey methodology, and results of the pilot study (a cross sectional survey)
2007

Musculoskeletal Impairment Survey in Rwanda

Sample size: 680 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Atijosan Oluwarantimi, Kuper Hannah, Rischewski Dorothea, Simms Victoria, Lavy Christopher

Primary Institution: London School Of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Hypothesis

This study aimed to develop a new tool to screen for and diagnose musculoskeletal impairment (MSI) and to pilot test the methodology for a national survey in Rwanda.

Conclusion

The screening tool had good sensitivity and specificity and was appropriate for use in a national survey.

Supporting Evidence

  • The screening tool demonstrated 99% sensitivity and 97% specificity for MSI.
  • During the pilot study, 468 out of 680 eligible subjects (69%) were screened.
  • The sample prevalence of MSI was 8.1%.

Takeaway

The study created a tool to help find and diagnose problems with muscles and bones in people in Rwanda, and it worked well in a test run.

Methodology

A 7 question screening tool was developed and validated through a pilot study involving 680 individuals using multistage cluster random sampling.

Potential Biases

Potential selection bias due to the sampling method and community participation.

Limitations

The response rate varied by age group and was lower among males and in urban areas.

Participant Demographics

The pilot study included individuals of all ages from both rural and urban areas in Rwanda.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

95% CI = 5.6–10.6

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2474-8-30

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