Prevalence of Hyperuricemia and Rheumatoid Factor Positivity Among Patients Aged 35 and Above in Huye District, Southern Province of Rwanda

Abstract

Background: Hyperuricemia, a precursor to gout, and rheumatoid factor positivity (RF), an autoantibody linked to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but also present in various conditions and healthy adults, hold significant health implications, including potential links to cardiovascular diseases and metabolic risks. In Rwanda, data on these conditions in individuals aged 35 and above are lacking. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hyperuricemia and RF positivity in patients aged 35 and above in Huye district of Rwanda. Patients and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from October 2023 to January 2024, enrolling 367 patients from Huye and Matyazo Health Centers. We measured rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP), and serum uric acid levels, and evaluated risk factors using structured questionnaires. Results: Among the patients, 38.1% had hyperuricemia, with 9.8% RF positivity and 3.3% CRP positivity. Hyperuricemia was more prevalent in older patients (p = 0.045) and females (p = 0.001). Notably, 12% of hyperuricemic patients had positive RF results. Conclusion: This study reveals high hyperuricemia rates and low RF/CRP positivity in patients aged 35 and above, with women and older individuals being more affected. The co-occurrence of hyperuricemia and RF has significant health impacts, highlighting the need for further research on metabolic disorders linked to hyperuricemia to inform better interventions. Our findings underscore the importance of addressing the conditions associated with these abnormalities to improve health outcomes in Rwanda's aging population.