2008 Georgia Data Summary: ARTHRITIS Arthritis and chronic joint symptoms affect almost half of adult Georgians and are a leading cause of disability. ARTHRITIS AND OTHER RHEUMATIC CONDITIONS WHAT IS ARTHRITIS? PREVALENCE BY HEALTH DISTRICT Arthritis refers to over 100 related conditions that affect the joints, surrounding tissue, and connective tissue. Arthritis and other rheumatic conditions include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, fibromyalgia, and others. The Metro Atlanta area has the lowest prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis (less than 1 in 4) while the southeastern region of Georgia has the highest (almost 1 in 3). SURVEILLANCE CASE DEFINITION Doctor-diagnosed arthritis is defined as having been diagnosed with arthritis or other rheumatic conditions by a physician or health professional. PREVALENCE About 1 in 4 adult Georgians reported doctordiagnosed arthritis in 2007. Doctor-diagnosed arthritis is more common in women (32%) than men (23%). Doctor-diagnosed arthritis is more common in whites (31%) and blacks (24%) than Hispanics (15%). Among race and sex groups, white females have the highest prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis (35%), and black males have the lowest (18%). The prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis increases with age, from about 6% among 18-24 year olds to 58% among those 65 years and older. HOSPITALIZATIONS In 2006, there were 24,332 hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of arthritis. Of these, osteoarthritis accounted for 62%. Total hospital charges for arthritis exceeded $854 million in 2006 with the average length of stay lasting about 4 days. Percent Percent of Adult Georgians with Doctor-diagnosed Arthritis by Age, 2007 60 58 50 49 40 30 20 10 6 31 19 10 0 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+ Age (years) RISK FACTORS Obesity, injury, and family history are risk factors for arthritis. Appropriate physical activity can prevent arthritis and reduce arthritis-related disability. 61% of adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis report being either physically inactive or insufficiently active. 39% of adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis are obese. Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health 2 Peachtree Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 657-3103 ga-arthritis@dhr.state.ga.us http://health.state.ga.us IMPACT OF ARTHRITIS Adults with arthritis are more likely to report poor health, limitations due to joint symptoms, and injuries. 33% of adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis reported fair or poor general health (versus good, very good, or excellent general health). 54% of adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis reported days of poor physical health during the past 30 days; 41% reported days of poor mental health during the past 30 days. 53% of adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis reported days when poor health kept them from doing their usual activities during the past 30 days. 43% of adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis reported limitations in daily activities. 17% of adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis reported having a fall in the past 3 months, 44% of whom were injured due to the fall. ACCESS TO CARE Many adults who may have arthritis have not seen a doctor for their joint symptoms, and many adults with arthritis cannot see a doctor due to costs. 43% of those reporting chronic joint symptoms, but who have not been clinically diagnosed with arthritis, have not seen a doctor for their joint symptoms. 43% of adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis or chronic joint symptoms needed to see a doctor in the past 12 months but could not because of costs. ARTHRITIS MANAGEMENT Physicians and health care providers can recommend exercise and weight control for those who could benefit from them. Among obese adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis, only 66% were recommended by a doctor to lose weight to manage their arthritis, and only 52% were recommended both to lose weight and to exercise. Among adults with normal weight and doctor-diagnosed arthritis, only 49% were recommended to exercise to manage their arthritis. COMORBIDITY Adults with arthritis are more likely to have other chronic diseases or modifiable risk factors.* 3 in 4 adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis reported having other chronic diseases or modifiable risk factors.* 3 in 8 adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis reported having high blood pressure; 45% of those adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis reported ever having high cholesterol. 1 in 8 adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis reported having diabetes. *High cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, asthma, and diabetes Data sources: Georgia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2007), Georgia Hospital Discharge Data (2006). Date updated: June 2008 Publication number: DPH08.313HW Visit http://www.health.state.ga.us/epi/cdiee/arthritis.asp for more information about arthritis in Georgia. Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health 2 Peachtree Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 657-3103 ga-arthritis@dhr.state.ga.us http://health.state.ga.us