Evaluation of musculoskeletal disability in patients admitted to the health board of a hospital in Van, Eastern Turkey

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to evaluate musculoskeletal disability in patients admitted to the health board of a hospital in Van, Eastern Turkey, in terms of age, sex, disability degree, and reasons for applying to the health board.
METHODS: For this purpose, we retrospectively reviewed the records of 4717 patients admitted to the health board of our hospital between January 01, 2014 and June 31, 2014.
RESULTS: A total of 2703 patients (57.3%) were male, 2014 (42.7%) were female, and the mean age was 40.75 ± 6.06 years. The most common reasons for admission to health board were to benefit from the law 2022 (n=2074; 43.9%) and to take advantage of the self care salaries (n=1903;40.3%). Osteoarthritis (n=584; 19.7%), cerebral palsy (n=387; 13.1%), hemiplegia (n=291; 9.8%) and developmental dysplasia of the hip (n=241; 8.2%) were the most common disorders. Severe disability were found in 726 (15.4%) cases. The permanent disability rate was 64.4% (n=3045).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal disability is a major problem in our country. We need to take measures of disability, necessary laws, training, and rehabilitation. This study may contribute to the health policy planning.