Clinical characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis in Benghazi, Libya
1 Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, University of Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya.
2 Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya.
Research Article
International Journal of Frontiers in Life Science Research, 2025, 08(01), 030-037.
Article DOI: 10.53294/ijflsr.2025.8.1.0024
Publication history:
Received on 13 January 2025; revised on 27 February 2025; accepted on 02 March 2025
Abstract:
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis RA is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by persistent synovial inflammation with subsequent joint destruction and systemic complications. Despite the improvement in research globally regarding RA, there is still a scarcity of epidemiological data in North Africa, specifically in Libya. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of RA within the Benghazi region for demographic, familial, and clinical associations.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 301 RA patients from Benghazi and its surrounding areas. The data collection was done through structured face-to-face interviews at hospitals and clinics. The inclusion criteria included adults, ≥18 years of age, with a confirmed diagnosis of RA by a rheumatologist. Demographic variables, disease onset age, familial history, and comorbidities were noted. All the statistical analyses were done using SPSS software, descriptive statistics, and chi-square tests accordingly.
Results: Most RA patients lived in Benghazi city, which accounts for 70.1%, and 29.9% were from suburban areas. There was a marked female preponderance: 95.3% females and 4.7% males. The age group affected most was between 41-60 years, with maximum cases diagnosed between 41-50 years (31.24%). In familial aggregation, 31.2% of the patients described at least one parent with RA, and 51.2% had no family history. Besides, the most common autoimmune condition in relatives was diabetes mellitus at 23.3%, followed by RA at 21.3%.
Conclusion: The current study showed gross female preponderance, peaked incidence in the middle-aged, and remarkable familial association-a fact that runs mainly through their parents. However, though genetic predisposition seems to play a vital role, reasonably large numbers do not show familial links, indicating a great environmental influence too. Such findings point out the need for further genetic as well as environmental research on RA in Libya with regards to early detection and tailored therapeutic intervention.
Keywords:
Rheumatoid arthritis; Epidemiology; Benghazi-Libya; Autoimmune disease; Familial aggregation; Gender disparity
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