News: Arthritis

Impact of arthritis on racial/ethnic minority populations

April 28, 2005

Data collected in 2002 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and analyzed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) demonstrated disparities in the occurrence and effects of arthritis among racial and ethnic minorities. These findings reveal the importance of interventions focusing on specific populations.

The February 11, 2005 article in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) detailed differences in the impact of arthritis on African Americans and Hispanics. Physicians diagnosed a similar portion of African Americans and whites with arthritis. Physicians diagnosed a smaller portion of Hispanics with arthritis compared to whites.

The article specified that African Americans with arthritis experienced more limitations in physical and work activity, and severe joint pain when compared to whites. Hispanics with arthritis experienced more limitations in work activity and severe pain in their joints compared to whites.

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Source: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, February 11, 2005 / 54(05); 119-123, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services