REVIEW

Int. J. Public Health, 31 May 2023

Volume 68 - 2023 | https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2023.1605763

Certainty of the Global Burden of Disease 2019 Modelled Prevalence Estimates for Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Meta-Epidemiological Study

  • 1. Department of Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain

  • 2. Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

  • 3. University Spine Centre Zurich (UWZH), Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

  • 4. EBPI-UWZH Musculoskeletal Epidemiology Research Group, University of Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland

  • 5. CIBERESP (CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health), Madrid, Spain

  • 6. IMDEA Food Institute, CEI UAM + CSIC, Madrid, Spain

  • 7. Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium

  • 8. Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

  • 9. School of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom

  • 10. Place and Wellbeing Directorate, Public Health Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom

  • 11. Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium

  • 12. MEDCIDS—Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal

  • 13. CINTESIS—Centre for Health Technology and Services Research, Porto, Portugal

  • 14. Public Health Unit, ACES Grande Porto V – Porto Ocidental, ARS Norte, Porto, Portugal

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Abstract

Objectives: To describe and assess the risk of bias of the primary input studies that underpinned the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019 modelled prevalence estimates of low back pain (LBP), neck pain (NP), and knee osteoarthritis (OA), from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Spain, and Switzerland. To evaluate the certainty of the GBD modelled prevalence evidence.

Methods: Primary studies were identified using the GBD Data Input Sources Tool and their risk of bias was assessed using a validated tool. We rated the certainty of modelled prevalence estimates based on the GRADE Guidelines 30―the GRADE approach for modelled evidence.

Results: Seventy-two primary studies (LBP: 67, NP: 2, knee OA: 3) underpinned the GBD estimates. Most studies had limited representativeness of their study populations, used suboptimal case definitions and applied assessment instruments with unknown psychometric properties. The certainty of modelled prevalence estimates was low, mainly due to risk of bias and indirectness.

Conclusion: Beyond the risk of bias of primary input studies for LBP, NP, and knee OA in GBD 2019, the certainty of country-specific modelled prevalence estimates still have room for improvement.

Introduction

Since its first publication in 1993, the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) has become a reference in the estimation of disease burden, including for musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders [1]. According to GBD 2019, MSK disorders ranked globally first in terms of years lived with disability (YLD) and sixth in disability adjusted life years (DALY) across all diseases [1]. While prevalence estimates vary [2–4], it has been suggested that one in three people live with a chronic, painful MSK condition [5]. Among MSK disorders, low back pain (LBP), neck pain (NP), and knee osteoarthritis (OA) are especially burdensome, motivating focused GBD analyses and calls for action [6, 7].

Due to the ambitious aim of estimating prevalence, and other disease metrics impacted by prevalence (i.e., YLD, DALY) for 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2019, GBD 2019 estimates rely on modelling data, especially when primary data are scarce [8, 9]. This dependence on complex modelling techniques is accentuated in low- and middle-income countries, where the lack of infrastructure limits periodic epidemiologic studies and where MSK disorders are often overlooked [10]. Given the proportion of people not seeking care for MSK pain, burden estimation faces specific challenges due to the lack of suitability of routine administrative data sources (i.e., hospital and claims data) for this purpose, and its unique DALY profile, which is almost exclusively dependent on YLD. Despite a recent study on the completeness of primary LBP prevalence data in GBD 2017 [11], little is known about the characteristics and risk of bias of the primary data input studies that underpinned the GBD 2019 modelled prevalence estimates of LBP, NP, and knee OA, as well as the certainty of these estimates.

As GBD metrics might guide health decision-making and resource allocation, the application of approaches to rate the certainty of GBD modelled estimates for MSK conditions is relevant. Complementary to advances in quality rating systems in GBD (i.e., star rating in Burden of Proof studies) [12], the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) working group offers an intuitive approach to rate the certainty of a body of evidence and, thus, the confidence we can place on it, according to risk of bias, inconsistency, indirectness, imprecision, reporting bias, magnitude of an effect, dose-response relation, and the direction of residual confounding [13]. Beyond the wide use of GRADE in systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines, important variations have emerged for other types of evidence [14], including modelling studies [15]. Following recommendations to use GRADE for modelling studies to improve World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines [16], this framework has yet to be applied to GBD epidemiologic estimates.

Objectives

This meta-epidemiological work aims to: 1) describe and assess the risk of bias of the primary input studies that underpinned the GBD 2019 modelled prevalence estimates of LBP, NP, and knee OA, from five countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, Spain, and Switzerland), and 2) evaluate the certainty of the modelled prevalence evidence using GRADE.

Methods

Data Identification and Retrieval

We adhered to applicable items of the guidelines for reporting meta-epidemiological research (Supplementary Datasheet S1) [17]. For our search strategy―carried out between December 2021 and April 2022―one reviewer independently used the GBD 2019 Data Input Sources Tool to systematically identify all primary data input studies. These were operationalised as peer-reviewed epidemiological studies and non-peer-reviewed national and international survey reports that informed the GBD 2019 modelled prevalence estimates of LBP, NP, and knee OA for Australia, Brazil, Canada, Spain, and Switzerland between 1990 and 2019 (Supplementary Datasheet S1 p 3). Primary data input studies were eligible if they were indexed in the 2019 Data Input Sources Tool and the Supplementary Appendix 1 of the GBD 2019 publication [1]. The GBD 2019 Supplementary Appendix 1 provides a rationale for the specific study characteristics used as eligibility criteria in the prevalence estimation of LBP, NP, and knee OA. We did not consider additional databases or internet searches, and we did not contact experts beyond those in the author group to identify additional studies. We selected the three most prevalent MSK pain conditions investigated in the GBD 2019 Study (LBP, NP, and knee OA) and five countries covering four world continents. Although these are primarily high-income countries, our country selection took into consideration the trade-off between the scope of the work, external validity, and our limited resource constraints. In addition, our pragmatic decision to select Australia, Brazil, Canada, Spain, and Switzerland considered their diverse healthcare systems, as well as the language skills and relevance of these countries to the authors. Before strategic selection and protocol specification, we conducted a preliminary search and gained information on the availability of at least some primary data coverage for the three most prevalent MSK pain conditions the GBD 2019 Study for these five territories. We excluded other sources of input data, mainly opportunistic surveys, and insurance claims, as they were not identifiable through the GBD website or GBD 2019 Study Supplementary Appendices. Our protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework [18].

All primary input studies were independently retrieved for risk of bias assessment and data extraction. When primary input studies were not accessible by conventional means (i.e., via electronic academic journals or scientific search engines), alternative approaches were tried, including searching open-source repositories and directly contacting primary study authors by email. In the case of the World Health Survey and the Swiss Household Panel Survey, two formal applications were completed and granted via the WHO Multi-Country Studies Data Archive (an open-access WHO repository) and the SWISSUbase system (a cross-disciplinary Swiss repository), respectively (Supplementary Datasheet S1 p 3).

Descriptive Analysis

One reviewer independently tabulated key information from primary input studies, including their sampling frame (national vs. subnational), sampling design, sample size, response proportion, years covered, sample age range, proportion of female participants, case definition for LBP, NP, or knee OA with applicable prevalence periods, and prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Prevalence periods were extracted from the ā€˜Methods’ section or from instruments referenced in primary input studies. For instance, if a primary input study asked about pain lasting 1Ā day or longer during the preceding month in the lumbar area, this was considered a one-month prevalence period. Prevalence was operationalised as the proportion of cases of LBP, NP, or knee OA in the included study populations. All extractable variables were prespecified in our protocol. When only strata-specific prevalence estimates were reported in primary studies (i.e., overall prevalence estimates not reported), we combined these into a single age and sex combined point estimate, conditional on having enough data granularity for the given study (total N, N for each individual age and sex stratum, and prevalence estimate for each stratum). Similarly, when interval estimates were not reported for prevalence point estimates, we derived 95% CIs, if possible, using Wald standard errors accounting for sampling design effects (see Supplementary Datasheet S1 p 4 for details) [2]. We did not use additional processes for manipulating data.

Risk of Bias Assessment

To assess risk of bias in primary input studies, we used a tool validated by Hoy et al. (Supplementary Datasheet S1 pp 5–8) [19], which has shown high interrater reliability in population-based cross-sectional studies of LBP [2], NP [20], and knee OA [21]. Ten criteria were rated as ā€œlowā€ or ā€œhighā€ risk of bias for each study: 1) representativeness of the target population in relation to the national population, 2) representativeness of the sampling frame in relation to the target population, 3) inclusion of random selection or a census, 4) likelihood of non-response bias, 5) collection of data directly from the subjects (as opposed to a proxy), 6) use of an acceptable case definition with anatomical specification, 7) use of a study instrument to measure prevalence with known reliability and validity, 8) uniformity in the mode of data collection, 9) appropriateness of the length of the shortest prevalence period for the parameter of interest, and (10) appropriateness of the numerator and denominator for the prevalence estimate. An additional summary item, added to the risk of bias visualizations [22], indicated how likely it would be for further research to change the confidence in the value of an observed prevalence estimate derived from a primary study. To ensure consistent and reliable risk of bias ratings and judgments, we conducted a training and calibration phase for the use of the tool and assessed interrater reliability. Two reviewers (JML and CAH) independently evaluated 20 (28%) of the 72 studies (randomly selected) and obtained 92% agreement on ratings and a kappa of 0.82 (95% CI, 0.73–0.91), suggesting high agreement beyond chance.

Certainty of GBD Prevalence Estimates

We performed a certainty assessment of the GBD 2019 modelled prevalence estimates using GRADE Guidelines 30—the GRADE approach for modelled evidence [15]. GRADE Guidelines 30 maintains general concepts of the GRADE approach and proposes a framework for selecting the best available evidence from one or more models to inform healthcare decisions. We selected these guidelines due to their applicability to health decision-making. Even though no specific guidance is available for applying GRADE to modelled prevalence estimates, GRADE Guidelines 30 allowed the identification of an existing model (GBD 2019) that a priori provided the highest certainty evidence for modelled prevalence of LBP, NP, and knee OA between 1990 and 2019. Due to the nature of our modelled outcome of interest, we performed assessments based on the GRADE criteria of risk of bias, inconsistency, indirectness, and imprecision of modelled prevalence estimates [15].

GRADE application began with the assessment of risk of bias, by which country-specific modelled prevalence estimates were evaluated based on the credibility of the disease-specific model (i.e., conceptualization, structure, calibration, and other factors) and the certainty of evidence in each of its inputs (i.e., whether model inputs represented the entire body of relevant evidence satisfying clear prespecified criteria). We then qualitatively assessed modelled prevalence estimates for indirectness based on two subdomains: indirectness of model inputs with respect to the model (based on the presence of country-specific primary input studies), and indirectness of model outputs with respect to the national MSK modelled estimation of interest. The third step involved assessing inconsistency of modelled estimates, by examining the variability in the modelled prevalence estimates over the study period. Lastly, we evaluated modelled estimates for imprecision by judging the width of modelled uncertainty intervals. Due to the nature of our modelled outcome of interest, we did not consider additional GRADE criteria (i.e., dose-response gradient, large magnitude of effect, and effect of an opposite direction of plausible residual confounding) to be applicable.

Patient and Public Involvement

Patients and members of the public were not involved in this study due to resource limitations. Nonetheless, we intend to involve the public in disseminating our results, including via social media platforms, newsletters, and conferences.

Results

Data Identification, Availability, and Coverage Between 1990 and 2019

We identified 72 primary data input studies (LBP: 67, NP: 2, knee OA: 3; Australia: 12; Brazil: 11; Canada: 8; Spain: 22; Switzerland: 19) in the GBD 2019 Data Input Sources Tool. After accounting for two studies providing input on LBP in two countries [23, 24], and two studies informing two MSK conditions in the same country [25, 26], 68 distinct primary input studies were identified and assessed for eligibility (Table 1; Supplementary Datasheet S1 p 9). Full texts, primary reports, or microdata (to obtain prevalence estimates when full texts or primary reports were not available) were retrieved for all studies. The World Health Survey for Australia was not available in the WHO central data catalogue—microdata and a report were provided by the WHO Department of Noncommunicable Diseases [33]. For the Swiss Household Panel Survey, since no periodic national reports were published, information was retrieved from microdata and other methodological publications [89, 90]. One of the input studies for Australia was a misclassified Austrian study [42]. Overall, Spain and Switzerland had the highest number of primary input studies for LBP (N = 19 each), while Canada had the lowest number (N = 7). Only the years 2000 and 2002 had at least one primary input study in all five included countries for LBP, and most of the studies were clustered between 1999 and 2010. Eight of the 30 included years did not have primary data coverage in any of the countries for LBP. For NP, only Spain and Brazil had primary data input studies, while for knee OA, this was the case for Spain and Canada (Figure 1; Supplementary Datasheet S1 pp 10–12).

TABLE 1

StudyRoBNPeriodPrevalence %StudyRoBNPeriodPrevalence %
LBP — AustraliaLBP — Spain (cont.)
ā€ƒNHS 1995 [27, 28]Mod53,828Point17.6 (17.0–18.2)ā€ƒMiró 2007 [75]Low5923Ā mo43.9 (39.9–47.9)
ā€ƒNHS 2001 [29, 30]Mod26,863Point21.0 (20.4–21.6)ā€ƒPellisĆ© 2009 [23]Low1,4701Ā mo39.8 (36.3–43.3)
ā€ƒSDAC 2003 [31, 32]Mod41,38612Ā mo3.1 (2.9–3.3)ā€ƒHBSC 2010 [76]Mod11,2306Ā mo38.1 (36.8–39.4)
ā€ƒWHS 2003 [33]Mod1,8461Ā mo44.1 (40.8–47.3)ā€ƒFernĆ”ndez de las PeƱas 2011 [77, 78]Low29,47812Ā mo19.9 (19.3–20.5)
ā€ƒWalker 2004 [34]Low1,913Point25.6 (23.7–27.6)ā€ƒBalaguĆ© 2012 [24]Low1,4701Ā mo39.8 (36.3–43.3)
ā€ƒNHS 2004–2005 [35, 36]Mod25,906Point16.4 (15.8–17.0)ā€ƒEurobarometer 2012 [79, 80]Low1,0261Ā wk7.9 (6.0–9.8)
ā€ƒGrimmer 2006 [37]Low4341Ā wk7.1 (3.7–10.5)ā€ƒJimĆ©nez SĆ”nchez 2012 [26, 81]Mod12,19012Ā mo11.1 (10.5–11.7)
ā€ƒNHS 2007–2008 [38, 39]Mod20,788Point14.5 (13.7–15.3)ā€ƒRodrĆ­guez Oviedo 2012 [82]High1,40312Ā mo25.9 (22.7–29.1)
ā€ƒSDAC 2009 [40, 41]Mod73,68312Ā mo2.9 (2.8–3.0)ā€ƒVargas Prada 2013 [83]Mod1,10512Ā mo63.6 (59.6–67.6)
ā€ƒHBSC Austria 2010 [42]Mod6,4936Ā mo37.1 (35.4–38.8)ā€ƒMesas 2014 [84, 85]Low8,28312Ā mo14.1 (13.4–14.8)
ā€ƒBroom 2012 [43]Mod9,82012Ā mo54.8 (53.8–55.8)ā€ƒKoyanagi 2015 [86, 87]Mod3,6251Ā mo45.1 (42.2–48.0)
ā€ƒO'Sullivan 2012 [44]Mod1,2881Ā mo12.3 (9.8–14.8)LBP — Switzerland
LBP — Brazilā€ƒBalaguĆ© 1994 [88]Mod1,7161Ā wk12.0 (10.4–13.6)
ā€ƒWHS 2003 [45]Low4,9991Ā mo52.6 (50.6–54.6)ā€ƒHBSC 1998 [56]Mod5,5206Ā mo8.0–23.0 (95% CIs NR)
ā€ƒSilva 2004 [46]Mod3,182Point4.2 (3.5–4.9)ā€ƒSHP 1999–2000 [89, 90]Mod7,79912Ā mo34.2 (33.1–35.3)
ā€ƒMendoza-Sassi 2006 [47]Mod1,2592Ā mo35.1 (32.5–37.7)ā€ƒSantos-Eggimann 2000 [91]Mod3,22712Ā mo9.5–38.5 (5.4–48.0)b
ā€ƒBlay 2007 [48]Mod6,9616Ā mo43.2 (41.9–44.3)ā€ƒSHP 2000–2001 [89, 90]Mod7,07312Ā mo38.7 (37.6–39.8)
ā€ƒDe Vitta 2011 [49]Low1,23612Ā mo19.5 (17.3–21.7)ā€ƒSHP 2001–2002 [89, 90]Mod6,60112Ā mo38.4 (37.2–39.6)
ā€ƒFerreira 2011 [50]Low97212Ā mo40.0 (36.9–43.2)ā€ƒHBSC 2002 [59, 92]Mod9,2756Ā mo38.6 (37.2–40.0)
ā€ƒOnofrio 2012 [51]Low1,2331Ā mo13.7 (11.8–15.6)ā€ƒSHP 2002–2003 [89, 90]Mod5,70012Ā mo37.8 (36.5–39.1)
ā€ƒMeziat Filho 2015 [52]High1,1021Ā mo28.6 (25.9–31.2)ā€ƒSHP 2003–2004 [89, 90]Mod5,22012Ā mo35.8 (34.5–37.1)
ā€ƒDepintor 2016 [53]Low8261Ā mo18.4 (15.8–21.2)ā€ƒSHP 2004–2005 [89, 90]Mod8,0654Ā wk44.8 (43.7–45.9)
ā€ƒNoll 2016 [54]Mod1,5973Ā mo55.7 (53.1–58.3)ā€ƒHBSC 2006 [92, 62, 93]Mod9,5076Ā mo42.4 (41.0–43.8)
LBP — Canadaā€ƒSHP 2006–2007 [89, 90]Mod6,6574Ā wk44.7 (43.5–45.9)
ā€ƒLiira 1996 [55]Mod38,540Point7.8 (7.2–8.4)ā€ƒSHP 2007–2008 [89, 90]Mod6,9794Ā wk45.3 (44.1–46.5)
ā€ƒHBSC 1997–1998 [56, 57]Mod6,2156Ā mo49.7 (47.9–51.5)ā€ƒSHP 2008–2009 [89, 90]Mod6,9034Ā wk44.8 (43.6–46.0)
ā€ƒCassidy 1998 [58]Low1,131Point28.7 (26.1–31.4)ā€ƒPellisĆ© 2009 [23]Low1,4701Ā mo39.8 (36.3–43.3)
ā€ƒHBSC 2002 [59, 60]Mod4,4586Ā mo41.2 (39.2–43.2)ā€ƒHBSC 2010 [92, 64, 94]Mod9,8866Ā mo41.8 (40.4–43.2)
ā€ƒCurrie 2004 [61]Mod118,53312Ā mo8.9 (8.7–9.1)ā€ƒErne 2011 [95]Mod1891Ā mo13.8 (6.8–20.8)
ā€ƒHBSC 2005 [62, 63]Mod9,6706Ā mo46.6 (45.2–48.0)ā€ƒKolb 2011 [96]Mod3,88112Ā mo33.2 (31.7–34.7)
ā€ƒHBSC 2010 [64, 65]Mod26,0786Ā mo44.0 (43.1–44.9)ā€ƒBalaguĆ© 2012 [24]Low1,4701Ā mo39.8 (36.3–43.3)
LBP — SpainNP — Brazil
ā€ƒBallina GarcĆ­a 1994 [66]Mod70212Ā mo28.2 (23.9–31.0)ā€ƒGenebra 2017 [97]Low60012Ā mo20.3 (17.3–23.7)
ā€ƒCarmona 2001 [25, 67]Low2,192Point14.8 (12.2–17.4)NP — Spain
ā€ƒCatalĆ  2002 [68]Mod5,000Point11.9 (10.6–13.2)ā€ƒJimĆ©nez SĆ”nchez 2012 [26, 81]Mod12,19012Ā mo6.0 (5.6–6.4)
ā€ƒHBSC 2002 [59, 69]Mod13,5526Ā mo42.5 (41.3–43.7)Knee OA — Canada
ā€ƒWHS 2002–2003 [70]Mod6,2751Ā mo35.1 (33.4–36.8)ā€ƒPlotnikoff 2015 [98, 99]Mod4,733Point10.5 (9.3–11.7)
ā€ƒHBSC 2006 [62, 71]Mod21,8116Ā mo38.6 (37.7–39.5)Knee OA — Spain
ā€ƒPinto Meza 2006 [72]Mod2,12112Ā mo14.7 (12.3–17.1)ā€ƒCarmona 2001 [25, 67]Low2,1921Ā mo10.2 (8.5–11.9)
ā€ƒDemyttenaere 2007 [73, 74]Low2,12112Ā mo14.7 (12.6–16.8)ā€ƒFernĆ”ndez López 2008 [100]Low2,1921Ā mo10.2 (7.9–12.5)

Summary characteristics of primary data input studies informing Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 modelled epidemiologic estimates of low back pain, neck pain, and knee osteoarthritis in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Spain, and Switzerland, 1990–2019.a

a

There were no primary data input studies for neck pain from Australia, Canada, and Switzerland, as well as no primary data input studies for knee OA from Australia, Brazil, and Switzerland. Prevalence estimates are reported as point estimates with 95% CIs.

b

Range of strata-specific prevalence estimates and confidence intervals for different age groups and genders; overall total prevalence estimate not reported.

CI, confidence interval; HBSC, Health Behaviour in School-aged Children; LBP, low back pain; mo, months; Mod, moderate; N, study size; NHS, National Health Survey; NP, neck pain; NR, not reported; OA, osteoarthritis; Period, prevalence period; RoB, overall study risk of bias; SDAC, Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers; SHP, Swiss Household Panel; WHS, World Health Survey; wk, weeks.

FIGURE 1

Characteristics of Primary Input Studies

Table 1 summarises key characteristics of the primary input studies. The included studies had between 189 and 118,533 participants, with most studies (61 of 67) having more than 1,000 participants. There were variations in the sampling frame of studies for LBP (see detailed evidence table in Supplementary Datasheet S1 pp 13–32), with more than a third of them (25 of 67) having a subnational focus. Most studies for LBP used stratified, clustered, or a multistage combination of probabilistic sampling approaches, although 9 of 67 did not specify the strategy. The proportion of respondents was adequate for most studies, although 2 of 67 did not reach a 50% response proportion. The variability of LBP case definitions was striking, with different recall periods, chronicity, anatomical pain locations, and activity-limiting considerations. Primary data prevalence estimates varied considerably between studies and countries.

The two primary data input studies for NP included subnational sampling frames and used probabilistic multistage sampling (detailed evidence table in Supplementary Datasheet S1 p 33) [26, 97]. However, these two studies differed substantially in their sample size (12,190 participants vs. 600) and proportion of respondents (38% vs. 94%). They also differed in their case definitions, since one study did not indicate the anatomical location of the neck and asked participants for medical confirmation [26], while the other specified the anatomical location between the occiput and the third thoracic vertebra and used a validated tool [97]. Their NP one-year period prevalence estimates also varied substantially (Table 1; Supplementary Datasheet S1 p 33).

Two of the three primary studies for knee OA included national samples and used stratified multistage cluster sampling [25, 100], while the remaining study included a national sample but used a random digit dial strategy (detailed evidence table in Supplementary Datasheet S1 p 34) [98]. Differences were observed in response proportions, prevalence periods, and case definitions. The prevalence of knee OA was similar in the three studies (Table 1; Supplementary Datasheet S1 p 34).

Risk of Bias of Primary Input Studies

The main criteria items in Hoy’s tool to introduce bias in primary studies (items 1, 6, and 7) corresponded to target populations not representing national populations in terms of key demographic characteristics (limited generalizability: 30 of 72 studies), suboptimal case definitions (no anatomical location specification: 49 of 72 studies), and the use of study instruments without demonstrated reliability or validity (prone to misclassification: 47 of 72 studies). Based on the overall summary rating, 48 of 72 studies were rated as moderate risk of bias, suggesting that further research may have an important impact on the confidence placed in their observed prevalence estimates (Supplementary Datasheet S1 pp 35–42).

Certainty of GBD Modelled Prevalence Estimates—GRADE Assessment

With all modelled prevalence estimates (Figure 2; Supplementary Datasheet S1 pp 43–48) starting by default at ā€œhigh certainty,ā€ we downgraded them two levels for risk of bias, which made them transition to ā€œlow certaintyā€ (Table 2). This downgrade was justified due to concerns about the structure of the models and the lack of certainty of evidence in each of their model inputs. In countries without identifiable primary input studies, we downgraded modelled prevalence estimates one certainty level due to indirectness of model inputs with respect to the model. Having found significant unexplained variability in modelled LBP prevalence outputs in Switzerland between 2016 and 2019 and NP prevalence outputs in Spain between 2001 and 2014, we downgraded one additional certainty level due to inconsistency in these two cases. We did not downgrade modelled estimates for imprecision since uncertainty intervals around point estimates were judged to be precise, regardless of the amount of primary input studies. Taken together, the certainty of modelled LBP, NP, and knee OA prevalence estimates in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Spain, and Switzerland ranged between very low and low, with greater certainty found for LBP (Table 2; see detailed GRADE rating explanations in Supplementary Datasheet S1 pp 49–54).

FIGURE 2

TABLE 2

Country ConditionGRADE criteriaRange of modelled prevalence (95% UI)Overall certainty
Risk of biasInconsistencyIndirectnessImprecision
Australia
ā€ƒLBPVery serious ↓↓Not seriousNot seriousNot serious11.6 to 12.4 (10.2–13.9)Lowa,b āŠ•āŠ•ā—‹ā—‹
ā€ƒNPVery serious ↓↓Not seriousSerious ↓Not serious1.3 to 1.5 (1.0–1.9)Very lowa,b,cāŠ•ā—‹ā—‹ā—‹
ā€ƒKnee OAVery serious ↓↓Not seriousSerious ↓Not serious5.4 to 8.3 (4.6–9.5)Very lowa,b,cāŠ•ā—‹ā—‹ā—‹
Brazil
ā€ƒLBPVery serious ↓↓Not seriousNot seriousNot serious6.7 to 8.7 (5.8–9.9)Lowa,b āŠ•āŠ•ā—‹ā—‹
ā€ƒNPVery serious ↓↓Not seriousNot seriousNot serious1.9 to 3.0 (1.5–3.9)Lowa,b,c āŠ•āŠ•ā—‹ā—‹
ā€ƒKnee OAVery serious ↓↓Not seriousSerious ↓Not serious2.7 to 5.4 (2.3–6.1)Very lowa,b,cāŠ•ā—‹ā—‹ā—‹
Canada
ā€ƒLBPVery serious ↓↓Not seriousNot seriousNot serious10.1 to 12.4 (9.8–14.2)Lowa,b āŠ•āŠ•ā—‹ā—‹
ā€ƒNPVery serious ↓↓Not seriousSerious ↓Not serious3.6 to 4.3 (2.9–5.4)Very lowa,b,cāŠ•ā—‹ā—‹ā—‹
ā€ƒKnee OAVery serious ↓↓Not seriousNot seriousNot serious3.0 to 5.1 (2.6–5.9)Lowa,b āŠ•āŠ•ā—‹ā—‹
Spain
ā€ƒLBPVery serious ↓↓Not seriousNot seriousNot serious10.1 to 11.1 (9.0–12.2)Lowa,b āŠ•āŠ•ā—‹ā—‹
ā€ƒNPVery serious ↓↓Serious ↓Not seriousNot serious2.6 to 3.9 (2.2–4.8)Very lowa,b,dāŠ•ā—‹ā—‹ā—‹
ā€ƒKnee OAVery serious ↓↓Not seriousNot seriousNot serious5.8 to 8.4 (5.0–9.6)Lowa,b āŠ•āŠ•ā—‹ā—‹
Switzerland
ā€ƒLBPVery serious ↓↓Serious ↓Not seriousNot serious15.0 to 19.2 (13.1–20.3)Very lowa,b,dāŠ•ā—‹ā—‹ā—‹
ā€ƒNPVery serious ↓↓Not seriousSerious ↓Not serious4.6 to 4.9 (3.7–6.2)Very lowa,b,cāŠ•ā—‹ā—‹ā—‹
ā€ƒKnee OAVery serious ↓↓Not seriousSerious ↓Not serious6.0 to 7.9 (5.2–8.9)Very low āŠ•ā—‹ā—‹ā—‹

Summary certainty assessment for modelled prevalence estimates of low back pain, neck pain, and knee osteoarthritis following Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines 30 (Global Burden of Disease Study 2019–Australia, Brazil, Canada, Spain, and Switzerland [1990 to 2019]).

a

Downgraded āˆ’1 for risk of bias, due to concerns about the credibility of the model, influenced by its conceptualisation and structure.

b

Downgraded āˆ’1 for risk of bias, due to concerns about the certainty and exhaustiveness of model inputs.

c

Downgraded āˆ’1 for indirectness, due to indirectness of model inputs with respect to the model, influenced by lack of primary data input studies.

d

Downgraded āˆ’1 for inconsistency, due to unexplained variability in modelled outputs.

Discussion

Statement of Findings

The analysed GBD 2019 primary data input studies for LBP, NP, and knee OA in our meta-epidemiological study had methodological shortcomings and had low coverage for the studied period. Similarly, the certainty of modelled prevalence estimates of LBP, NP, and knee OA in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Spain, and Switzerland ranged between very low and low.

Meaning and Importance of Findings

Primary data input studies had limitations mainly related to their representativeness, case definitions, and validity of their instruments to measure prevalence. Although we used an inclusive prevalence period recall of up to 1Ā year as acceptable in assessing case definitions, recall periods of more than 4Ā weeks might be prone to memory bias [101]. Furthermore, between 1990 and 2019 there were a substantial number of years without any primary study coverage, which might compromise temporal interpolations of modelled estimates. Our findings indicate that GBD modelled prevalence estimates should be interpreted with caution and acknowledge inherent weaknesses of primary input studies and sources of uncertainty of the modelling process. Our approach also conceivably supports the feasibility of establishing methodological approaches to rate the certainty of GBD metrics.

An interesting result to emerge from the GRADE application, was the observed consistency and precision of modelled prevalence estimates. The direction and width of modelled prevalence uncertainty intervals were not sensitive to the number of primary input studies for a given country. This observation, which is in agreement with a recent correspondence to a GBD analysis in Iran [102, 103], potentially highlights that modelling assumptions, country-specific covariates, and alternative primary data may also influence modelled estimates. Major advances are occurring in terms of GBD best reporting practice and Burden of Proof methodology [12, 104]. Unlike our proposed GRADE approach for certainty of modelled prevalence estimates, Burden of Proof focuses on risk-outcome relationships, aggregates evidence across multiple studies, and enables a quantitative comparison of risk-outcome pairs, ultimately assessing the strength of evidence with an intuitive star rating. Future results of evaluations of GBD modelling performance, sensitivity analyses, and star ratings to summarise evidence beyond risk-outcome pairs will continue to advance this body of knowledge.

In our study, two exceptions to the consistency of GBD modelled estimates were observed (Figure 2). First, LBP modelled prevalence trends in Switzerland between 2016 and 2019, decreased from 19.1% (95% UI, 18.0%–20.2%) to 15.0% (13.1%–17.2%), a change that was not observed in other countries. Second, NP modelled prevalence trends in Spain between 2001 and 2014 decreased from 3.5% (95% UI: 2.8%–4.3%) in 2001 to 2.6% (2.2%–3.3%) in 2005 and then increased to 3.7% (2.9%–4.6%) in 2014, creating a U-shape trend line. Importantly, these variations in modelled prevalence estimates could not be unambiguously explained by any of the primary data input studies (primary input studies for Switzerland, 2016–2019: 0 studies; primary data input studies for Spain, 2001–2014: 1 study).

Our Findings in the Context of Existing Evidence

Our results expand on those reported by Tamrakar et al., who explored primary data input studies for LBP in GBD 2017 [11], examining more countries and using an alternative approach to rate the completeness and quality of primary input studies. Brhlikova et al. also assessed the quality of primary studies for depression in GBD 2000, pointing out their limitations [105]. Our study adds to the existing body of knowledge by applying a novel GRADE approach to rate the certainty of GBD modelled prevalence estimates, aiming to improve the assessment and communication of uncertainty. This addition is relevant for GBD, as there are national burden of disease initiatives that have developed certainty frameworks based on the availability and transformation applied to primary data [106, 107].

Alternative Explanation and Challenges of GRADE

Despite our analysis, primary data input studies were not the unique source of input for GBD 2019. Access and evaluation of opportunistic surveys and claims data may have resulted in alternative findings. Additionally, we did not have enough information to fully assess all dimensions of credibility of the model, to judge the input parameters to which modelled prevalence estimates were sensitive, nor to assess the potential impact of studies that were excluded from the GBD 2019 systematic reviews. We also encountered challenges in the application of GRADE Guidelines 30—although options to incorporate multiple model outputs in decision-making are available, we used an existing model without adaptation due to resource limitations. Adapting the GBD model would have required all input data relevant for prevalence estimation, GBD modelling expertise, and extensive computational resources.

Strengths and Limitations

The abundance of secondary analyses of GBD MSK data contrasts with a paucity of methodological publications [108–110], and a scarcity of analytical approaches to facilitate the interpretation of modelled estimates. Among the strengths of our study, the use of a validated tool to assess risk of bias of primary input studies and a well-established framework to assess the certainty of modelled evidence should be highlighted. In addition, choosing prevalence estimates could also be considered a strength, since these are not affected by disability weights, severity distributions, or comorbidity corrections, requiring fewer dimensions to judge their certainty. The exclusion of disability weight-based metrics adds pragmatism since there are potential biases in weighted average disability weights created using worldwide factors [111], and inter-country variations in the subjective valuation of health states are expected [108].

Our study has several limitations. First, we purposively explored a select number of MSK conditions and countries. That said, GBD primary data have better coverage and lower risk of bias for countries with higher incomes [11], suggesting that our risk of bias and certainty findings may approximate a best case scenario. Second, we restricted our analysis to primary data input studies identifiable in the GBD 2019 Data Input Sources Input Tool and did not include other sources of GBD input data. Third, we did not analyse neighbouring countries, even though GBD uses them for modelling estimation. Fourth, we excluded the category of ā€œother MSK disordersā€, despite its high modelled prevalence, due to its heterogeneity. Fifth, although some studies for a newer GBD have been published [112], we did not have access to up-to-date primary input studies. Sixth, the validity of GRADE for assessing the certainty of modelled GBD prevalence estimates is unknown and other conceptual frameworks may be more suitable [113]. The possibility that alternative assessment approaches would have yielded different certainty findings cannot be ruled out.

Suggestions for Future Research

Along with progress in the estimation of prevalence in GBD, it is crucial to encourage high-quality primary data on risk factors and advance methods to obtain accurate, time-varying MSK severity distributions by triangulation of data sources across locations [114]. This importance is accentuated given the marked contribution of MSK disorders to YLD, their wide range of severity weights across health states, and the plausible exacerbation of MSK severity within the context of the COVID pandemic. An important issue to strengthen population-based MSK research is to promote the use of optimal case definitions (including activity limiting considerations, explicit anatomical location, duration, and appropriate prevalence periods of maximum 4Ā weeks to minimize memory bias) [101], as well as the use of validated tools to measure prevalence. Collaborative networks, such as the European Burden of Disease Network, may be a promising driver of improvement in supporting methodological advances [115]. Additional studies may elucidate the optimal approach to rate the certainty of GBD estimates. Advancement in this area could help GBD end-users, some of whom lack technical ability to comprehend complex models and may be pressured to make policy decisions. The combination of the GBD premise that ā€œproviding estimates with corresponding uncertainty is better than not providing any estimate at allā€ [116], and the suggested poor legitimization of MSK disorders at times [117], calls for crucial advances in understanding the true burden of MSK conditions.

Conclusion

The primary data input studies that underpinned the GBD 2019 prevalence estimates of LBP, NP, and knee OA in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Spain, and Switzerland had methodological shortcomings. This meta-epidemiological work also suggests that the certainty of GBD modelled prevalence estimates for these three MSK pain conditions is limited mainly due to risk of bias and indirectness. Future primary input studies with lower risk of bias, and the optimal assessment of uncertainty in modelled outputs, will likely improve the certainty of modelled prevalence estimates.

Statements

Data availability statement

Datasets and primary data input studies are publicly available. These data can be found at: https://ghdx.healthdata.org/gbd-2019/data-input-sources, https://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-results/.

Author contributions

CAH and JML had full access to the data and take responsibility for data integrity and accuracy of data analysis. CAH, JML, and MAP conceived the study and obtained funding. CAH was the principal investigator. CAH, FRA, and MAP provided study resources and supervision. All authors participated in the design and conduct of the study. JML led the statistical analysis with input from CAH and MAP. JML produced the first draft of the manuscript. All authors contributed to the writing and approval of the final manuscript. CAH had final responsibility for the decision to submit for publication. All authors had full access to all the data in the study and approved the decision to submit for publication.

Funding

This work was supported, in part, by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST Action CA18218 virtual mobility grant No CA18218-6a68cbf4). The funder had no role in study conceptualisation and design, or in the collection, analysis, interpretation of data, writing of the report, or decision to submit the manuscript for publication.

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge the networking support from COST Action CA18218 (European Burden of Disease Network; www.burden-eu.net), supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology; www.cost.eu). We also thank Dr. Miquel Serra-Burriel for his thoughtful review and comments on the manuscript.

Conflict of interest

JML, CAH, RDP, and BD report support for attending a meeting of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology – COST Action CA18218 (European Burden of Disease Network). JML, CAH, RDP, JVS, GMAW, and BD are members of the European COST Action CA18218. CAH and MAP report grants from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and the European Centre for Chiropractic Research Excellence (ECCRE) outside the submitted work.

The remaining author declares that they do not have any conflicts of interest.

Supplementary material

The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2023.1605763/full#supplementary-material

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Summary

Keywords

global burden of disease, epidemiology, prevalence, musculoskeletal disorders, low back pain, neck pain, knee osteoarthritis, GRADE approach

Citation

MuƱoz Laguna J, Puhan MA, Rodrƭguez Artalejo F, De Pauw R, Wyper GMA, Devleesschauwer B, Santos JV and HincapiƩ CA (2023) Certainty of the Global Burden of Disease 2019 Modelled Prevalence Estimates for Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Meta-Epidemiological Study. Int J Public Health 68:1605763. doi: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1605763

Received

09 January 2023

Accepted

27 April 2023

Published

31 May 2023

Volume

68 - 2023

Edited by

Paolo Chiodini, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Italy

Reviewed by

William Dab, Conservatoire National des Arts et MƩtiers (CNAM), France

Updates

Copyright

*Correspondence: Cesar A. HincapiƩ,

Disclaimer

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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