Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Diseases Among Children in Saint Petersburg, Russia

BACKGROUND: Most musculoskeletal diseases are diagnosed in childhood, allowing for the prevention of chronic progression and subsequent disability in adulthood. In recent years, monitoring pediatric morbidity has gained increasing scientific and practical importance, leading to the reassessment of key organizational strategies.

AIM: This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of the overall morbidity of musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases among children in Saint Petersburg from 2017 to 2023.

METHODS: Based on official statistical reports from 2017 to 2023, the prevalence of musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases among children aged 0–14 years and adolescents aged 15–17 years in Saint Petersburg was compared with national averages in Russia. Morbidity trends were analyzed per 1,000 of the respective pediatric population. The analysis was carried out using a quantitative assessment of the odds ratio for the occurrence of musculoskeletal conditions, overall and by individual disease forms, as presented in the statistical bulletins. Statistical significance was inferred when the 95% confidence interval for the odds ratio did not include 1 (p < 0.05). Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Office 2010 (Word and Excel).

RESULTS: The prevalence of musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders among children in Saint Petersburg was extremely high, showing an upward trend and a widening gap compared with the national average in Russia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the growth rates of most disease categories outpaced those of the preceding period. Among children aged 0–14 years in Saint Petersburg, the odds ratio showed an increase for reactive arthropathies (by 23.6%), deforming dorsopathies (by 27.4%), and other musculoskeletal conditions (by 23.0%). Among adolescents, increased odds were observed for juvenile arthritis (7.9%), arthropathies overall (13.3%), deforming dorsopathies (15.5%), and other disorders (22.7%). In contrast, both age groups showed a decreased likelihood of being diagnosed with spondylopathies. When assessing the significance of odds ratios and the validity of conclusions, preference should be given to the use of the smallest measurement units.

CONCLUSION: An increase in the prevalence and odds of musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders among children in Saint Petersburg was observed. This underscores the need to improve care pathways and adopt modern approaches to the prevention and treatment of these conditions in the region, as well as to strengthen the availability and quality of medical resources in other Russian regions.