Various Types of Arthritis in the United States: Prevalence and Age-Related Trends From 1999 to 2014

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence trends of osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and other types of arthritis in the United States from 1999 to 2014. METHODS: We analyzed data on 43 706 community-dwelling adults aged 20 years and older who participated in the 1999-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. We accounted for survey design and sampling weights so that estimates were nationally representative. We assessed temporal trends in age-standardized arthritis prevalence by using joinpoint regression. RESULTS: Age-adjusted prevalence of arthritis was 24.7% (OA = 9.7%; RA = 4.2%; other arthritis = 2.8%; "don't know" type = 8.0%). Prevalence of OA increased from 6.6% to 14.3%, whereas RA prevalence decreased from 5.9% to 3.8%. Increase in OA prevalence was significant in both genders; in non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks, and Hispanics; and in people with high socioeconomic status. Decrease in RA prevalence was more pronounced in men, non-Hispanic Blacks, and participants with low income or obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Between 1999 and 2014, nearly one quarter of American adults reported arthritis. The prevalence of OA has more than doubled over time, whereas RA prevalence has declined.