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Self-reported arthritis among men and women in an adult community

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Abstract

In the Rancho Bernardo, California population of older adults, the age-adjusted prevalence rate of self-reported arthritis was higher in women than men for all types combined (38.6 vs. 22.3%, p<0.05), and for osteoarthritis (18.1 vs 12.9%). Men and women with osteoarthritis and disabling arthritis were significantly more likely to report co-morbid conditions. Women with osteoarthritis were significantly less likely to drink alcohol and more likely to be taking estrogen replacement therapy. At 15 years of follow up, mortality rates were not significantly increased in men or women with arthritis or osteoarthritis compared to those without arthritis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Community and Family Medicine, University of California, San Diego, M-007, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0607

    Troy L. Holbrook Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Troy L. Holbrook Ph.D.
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  2. Deborah L. Wingard Ph.D.
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  3. Elizabeth Barrett-Connor M.D.
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Additional information

Troy L. Holbrook, Ph.D. is an Assistant Adjunct Professor, Department of Community and Family Medicine, University of California, San Diego

Deborah L. Wingard, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor, Department of Community and Family Medicine, University of California, San Diego

Elizabeth Barrett-Connor, M.D. is Professor and Chair, Department of Community and Family Medicine, University of California, San Diego

This research was supported by National Institutes of Health Contract No. NIH-NHLBI-HV-1-2160-L, National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases Grant No. R01-AM31801, and The Weight Watchers Foundation, Inc.

The authors wish to thank Janice B. McPhillips for assistance with the statistical analysis and Cheryl Wuchina for preparation of the manuscript.

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Holbrook, T.L., Wingard, D.L. & Barrett-Connor, E. Self-reported arthritis among men and women in an adult community. J Community Health 15, 195–208 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01350257

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