The current impact of diagnosed arthritis among U.S. adults was outlined in a paper published by Fallon et al in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The report’s authors used the 2019 to 2021 National Health Interview Survey to update the national prevalence estimates for self-reported diagnosed arthritis. They found that 21.2% (n = 53.2 million) of U.S. adults aged 18 years and older had diagnosed arthritis, and about 50% of those aged 65 years and older with self-reported dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer had diagnosed arthritis. Further, the prevalence of diagnosed arthritis was higher among female patients than male patients (20.9% vs 16.3%); veterans than nonveterans (24.2% vs 18.5%); and non-Hispanic White patients than Hispanic or Latino patients and non-Hispanic Asian patients (20.1% vs 14.7% and 10.3%, respectively). The investigators hope their findings can help guide public health policies and inspire new initiatives as well as community-based interventions to improve equitable access to physical activity opportunities.
November 09, 2023