Work

Prevalence and types of lower limb conditions in Nepal

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Lower limb conditions (LLCs) are a major cause of pain, disability, and loss of livelihood globally, yet their prevalence and functional impacts in low- and middle-income countries, including Nepal, remain poorly described. Methods: tests assessed regional differences in condition types. Results: Of 2525 households, 671 (26.6%, 95% CI = 24.9-28.3) reported a member with an LLC; 11.2% (95% CI = 10.5-12.0) of adults were affected. Among 500 participants surveyed (mean age 57 years; 65% female), pain/discomfort was most common (97%), mainly in the knee (74%) and foot/ankle (48%). Across participants, 628 LLCs were reported; conditions included injury/trauma (19%), deformity (7%), wounds (1%), and amputation (<1%). Prevalence varied by district. Functional limitations were substantial: 82% with pain and all with amputation reported severe activity restriction. Ten percent were unemployed, mostly due to health, and >70% of those doing household work had left other jobs because of their LLC. Conclusions: This study offers preliminary, population-based estimates of person-reported LLCs across three ecological zones in Nepal. Musculoskeletal pain was most common, often multi-site and substantially limiting daily activities and employment. While findings highlight the impact of LLCs on well-being and livelihoods, they remain exploratory due to limited geographic scope and self-reporting. Larger, nationally representative studies are needed to confirm these results, differentiate chronic from transient pain, and guide rehabilitation and prevention strategies.

Source: Journal of Global Health

DOI: 10.7189/jogh.16.04098