Data and Statistics

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State Statistics

State-specific 2003, 2005 and 2007 BRFSS prevalence estimates

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is the best source for state arthritis prevalence estimates. BRFSS is a state-based, random-digit-dialed telephone survey of the noninstitutionalized, civilian U.S. population aged > 18 years. The survey is administered in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. Since 1996, selected states have been collecting information on arthritis through the BRFSS. Starting with the 2003 BRFSS and continuing in odd-numbered years, all states collected information on arthritis. Different questions were used to collect data between 1996–2001 and from 2002 forward. For this reason, it is not valid to look at trends that cross from 2001 into 2002. In 2002, the case definition of arthritis changed as well. Beginning in 2002 we have focused on doctor-diagnosed arthritis only. Read more about the BRFSS arthritis-specific questions and the arthritis case definitions.

State-specific data:

• BRFSS prevalence estimates by state
• State-specific prevalence of arthritis-attributable work limitation
• Proportion of arthritis-attributable work limitation by state
• State-specific arthritis prevalence projections through 2030
• Age-adjusted arthritis population prevalence by sex

View the summary of these state-specific 2003 and 2005 BRFSS prevalence estimates by using the clickable map or the data list below:

Age-adjusted population prevalence of arthritis-attributable work limitation among adults aged 18–64, by state, 2003 BRFSS

In all states, working-age U.S. adults face work limitations they attribute to arthritis. The prevalence of work limitation due to arthritis varies by state but is generally high, affecting from 3.3% to 14.6% of all working-age adults (state median = 6.6%). For example, a state with a population prevalence of arthritis-attributable work limitation of 7% could be expressed as approximately 1 out of every 14 working-age adults in the state report doctor-diagnosed arthritis and say that it limits them in their work.

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Age-adjusted proportion of arthritis-attributable work limitation among adults aged 18–64 with doctor-diagnosed arthritis, by state, 2003 BRFSS

Arthritis-attributable work limitation is very common among working-age adults with arthritis. In states with the lowest prevalence of work limitations due to arthritis, it is still reported by greater than 1 of every 5 working-age adults with arthritis. In states with the highest prevalence of arthritis-attributable work limitation, that ratio jumps to approximately 1 of every 2 working-age adults with arthritis. The age-adjusted state median is 32.8%, or approximately 1 of 3.

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State-specific arthritis prevalence projections through 2030

State-specific projections of arthritis prevalence from 2005 through 2030 show a substantial, average increase of 34% in 50 states. Ten states are anticipated to have increases from 50%–90%, and three states (Arizona, Florida, and Nevada) are projected to see thier numbers more than double. Similar increases will occur for arthritis-attributable activity limitation. The biggest projected increases are expected to occur in the “sunbelt” and western states. These projections highlight the need for wider dissemination of existing evidence-based interventions and strategies that have been shown to decrease pain and increase function.

A table offering more detailed state specific data is available.
 

Data Source: 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor surveillance system, U.S. Census bureau. http:/www.census.gov/population/www/projections/projectionsagesex.html

Freedman M, Hootman JM, Helmick CG. Projected state-specific increases in self-reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis and arthritis-attributable activity limitations—United States, 2005–2030. MMWR 2007;56(7):423–425. errata html, html,  pdf (296K)

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Age-adjusted population prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis, by sex, 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2005

In 2005 state-level Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System prevalence estimates by sex found women reporting a higher prevalence of arthritis than men in every jurisdiction. When examined by standard prevalence cutoff points (18.0–25.2%; 25.3–28.3%; and 28.4–35.0%), women in only one U.S. state (Hawaii) were in the lowest prevalence group, and men in just two states (Missouri and West Virginia) were in the highest group. In the majority of jurisdictions (32), women were in the highest prevalence group.

Theis KA, Helmick CG, Hootman JM. Arthritis burden and impact are greater among U.S. women than men: intervention opportunities. Journal of Women’s Health 2007;16(4):441-453.

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Page last reviewed: June 8, 2008
Page last modified: August 12, 2008
Content Source: Division of Adult and Community Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

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