Cases of arthritis and chronic joint symptoms rising

AORN Journal, Dec, 2002

One out of every three US adults (ie, 70 million) is affected by arthritis and chronic joint symptoms, according to an Oct 24, 2002, news release from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As the number one cause of disability, arthritis and chronic joint symptoms are one of the most common health problems in the United States.

The CDC conducted a state-by-state telephone survey of more than 212,000 US adults 18 years of age and older. The number of people reporting problems with arthritis and chronic joint symptoms varied widely among the states. People in Hawaii had the lowest rate (17.8%), and people in West Virginia had the highest rate (42.6%).

More women (37.3%) reported having arthritis and chronic joint symptoms compared to men (28.4%). Race factored in as well, with Caucasians (35.3%) and African Americans (31.5%) more likely to report problems than Hispanics (23.3%). Of the 33% reporting arthritis and chronic joint disease, 10.6% have arthritis, 10% have chronic joint symptoms, and 12.4% have both.

Arthritis and Chronic Joint Symptoms More Common Than Previously Thought (news release, Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Oct 24, 2002) http://www .cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r021024.htm (accessed 28 Oct 2002).