Obesity, hypertension, diabetes and thyroid conditions were identified as the risk factors for osteoarthritis among those in Delhi. The statistics show that more females are developing the disease, accounting for 55% of the patients. Incidentally, the severity of arthritis was also found to be much higher in females as compared to males.
This came out in an epidemiological study conducted by the Arthritis Foundation of India (AFI that looked at as many as 600 OPD patients for their study.
Released on Thursday, the study noted a lack of awareness among citizens leading to a late diagnosis, with many of them seeking medical help only at a severe stage. Most respondents also sought medical treatment at a moderate to severe stage. The study notes, the progression of the disease could have been halted if reported earlier.
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