Trends in the incidence of musculoskeletal diseases in Kazakhstan in 2011–2020: an information-analytical study

According to the World Health Organization, there is an increase in the incidence of musculoskeletal diseases worldwide. The problem of this group of diseases is that they are associated with the onset of temporary and permanent disability. A number of studies have demonstrated an increase in the incidence of musculoskeletal diseases in the US, Canada, Australia, and European countries. The current informational and analytical study was aimed to reflect on related morbidity trends in Kazakhstan. We analyzed data on the incidence of diseases of the musculoskeletal system in 2011–2020. Ten annual statistical yearbooks of the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan were used to obtain data. The results showed an increase in the total incidence of musculoskeletal diseases of 304,492 cases between 2011 and 2020. Primary incidence of musculoskeletal disorders in the whole population increased by a factor of 1.5. The incidence rate of musculoskeletal diseases increased in the age group over 18 years and in the 0–14 years’ child group. A comparative analysis of morbidity figures for rural and urban populations was also presented. An increase in the incidence of musculoskeletal diseases in both populations was observed. Finally, comparative data analysis on morbidity across Central Asian countries was provided. This information-analytical study shows that the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders is steadily increasing in Kazakhstan. The scientific community should pay attention to this trend to prevent further increases in the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders.