Prevalence of gout in the Sincan district of Ankara, Türkiye: a primary care-based cross-sectional study

TL;DR

This study estimates gout prevalence in Ankara's Sincan district, finding 1.36% overall, with higher rates in men and older adults.

Contribution

The study provides new epidemiological data on gout in an understudied region of Türkiye.

Findings

The estimated gout prevalence was 1.36% in the Sincan district.

Prevalence was higher in men (2.18%) compared to women (0.70%).

Prevalence increased with age, though the sample size limited statistical significance.

Abstract

Gout, the most prevalent form of inflammatory arthritis, has shown a global increase in prevalence; however, data from Türkiye remain scarce, inconsistent, and largely confined to western regions. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of gout among adults in the Sincan district of Ankara, Türkiye, and to provide updated data from a previously understudied region.

This cross-sectional, community-based study employed a multistage design. Adults aged ≥18 years who presented to selected family health centers in Sincan between February and June 2023 were screened using a structured questionnaire. Individuals with suspected gout underwent comprehensive clinical evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, and relevant laboratory testing, conducted by rheumatologists. Gout was classified according to the 2015 ACR/EULAR criteria, with a score of ≥8 required for classification.

Of the 517 individuals approached, 515 provided consent, and data from 513 participants were included in the final analysis. Screening identified 26 individuals with suspected gout, of whom 24 completed evaluation, resulting in the confirmation of seven gout cases (five men and two women). The overall estimated prevalence of gout was 1.36% (95% CI: 0.55%–2.81%). Prevalence was higher in men (2.18%; 95% CI: 0.71%–5.01%) than in women (0.70%; 95% CI: 0.09%–2.52%) although this difference was not statistically significant due to the small sample size, and prevalence increased with age.

These findings provide updated epidemiological data, indicating a higher prevalence than previously reported in western Türkiye, while remaining within the lower range of global estimates. These data underscore the need to enhance gout awareness and to develop effective management strategies within the Turkish population.

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