Top 5 Takeaways

1. High Prevalence of Arthritis: An estimated 58.5 million U.S. adults (23.7%) reported having arthritis during 2016–2018.
2. Significant Activity Limitation: Approximately 25.7 million adults with arthritis (43.9%) reported arthritis-attributable activity limitation (AAAL).
3. Impact on Vulnerable Groups: Arthritis and AAAL prevalence were highest among adults with physical limitations, lower economic opportunities, and poor overall health.
4. Increasing Trends: Both arthritis and AAAL have shown a statistically significant increasing trend over nearly two decades.
5. Need for Interventions: More widespread dissemination of evidence-based, community-delivered interventions and attention to social determinants of health are necessary to mitigate the impact of arthritis.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Kristina A. Theis, ktheis@cdc.gov

Suggested Citation

Theis KA, Murphy LB, Guglielmo D, et al. Prevalence of Arthritis and Arthritis-Attributable Activity Limitation — United States, 2016–2018. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1401–1407. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7040a2

Summary

Arthritis remains a leading cause of disability in the U.S., affecting 58.5 million adults from 2016–2018. The CDC’s analysis of National Health Interview Survey data reveals that 43.9% of these individuals experience arthritis-attributable activity limitation (AAAL). The prevalence is notably higher among those with physical limitations, lower economic opportunities, and poorer health. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions and a focus on social determinants of health to address the growing impact of arthritis.

Methods

The study utilized data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) for 2016–2018, focusing on adults aged ≥18 years. Arthritis was identified through self-reported diagnosis by a healthcare professional, and AAAL was determined by self-reported limitations in usual activities due to arthritis. The analysis included unweighted sample sizes and response rates, and applied sampling weights to generate nationally representative estimates. Subgroup differences were assessed using pairwise t-tests and linear trend tests.

Discussion

The findings indicate a continued increase in the prevalence of arthritis and AAAL, aligning with long-term trends and projections. The study highlights the higher prevalence of these conditions among adults with fewer economic opportunities, poorer health, and more physical limitations. The report emphasizes the importance of a multifaceted approach, including community-delivered interventions and addressing social determinants of health, to mitigate the impact of arthritis.

Conclusion

The increasing prevalence of arthritis and AAAL poses significant challenges for public health and medical systems. A coordinated approach that includes expanding intervention implementation and addressing social, physical, and economic environments is essential to improve the quality of life for adults with arthritis and reduce its societal impact.

This has been your booster shot of MMWR Info! Please check back for more MMWR, Public Health, and Programming Tutorial content daily.