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National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Arthritis
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National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Arthritis Home | About Us | Contact Us |
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What is the best source of state arthritis data?
We recommend using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for state estimates of the burden of arthritis.
A note about combining years of data.
Different questions and case definitions 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. An overview of BRFSS arthritis question changes is available. Read more about the arthritis case definition.
View the summary of these
state-specific 2003, 2005, and 2007 BRFSS prevalence data.
What are the best sources of data for arthritis prevalence for the nation?
The best source for national arthritis prevalence estimates is the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), an annual survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics. Each year, the NHIS samples U.S. households and gathers information on select adult and child members living in each household. Estimates of health conditions and behaviors from the NHIS are representative of the U.S. civilian, noninstitutionalized population.
In 2002, new questions (identical to the 2002
BRFSS Arthritis Burden Questions) were included on the NHIS survey to estimate arthritis prevalence in the United States. Cases
are defined in the same way as by BRFSS. Self-reported, doctor-diagnosed
arthritis is estimated using the question: “Have you ever been told by a
doctor or other health professional that you have some form of arthritis,
rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia?”
Where should I go for help when I have a question about using NHIS/BRFSS arthritis data?
Your first step should be to review these FAQs. For questions about the mechanics of using the BRFSS, you should check with your state BRFSS coordinator. A list of links and contact information for BRFSS and NHIS are available below.
(PDF–986K)Toll-Free Data Inquiries: 1–866–441–6247 (NCHS)
For questions about the arthritis case definition, concepts, and interpretation,
contact us at the Arthritis Program.
Does the CDC recommend using Medicare and Medicaid data for surveillance or to generate cost estimates?
No. Dr. Ken Powell from the Georgia Department of Human Resources explored the use of these data (Powell KE, Diseker RA, Presley RJ, et al. Administrative data as a tool for arthritis surveillance: Estimating prevalence and utilization of services. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice. 2003;9(4):291–298). He found one can obtain different answers, depending on 1) how variables are defined, 2) the number of years included, and 3) how enrollment is defined. He also found that using these data was very labor intensive and was difficult to justify.
In the absence of a clear link to a project, or to your state arthritis plan,
we recommend you do not analyze Medicaid or Medicare data, especially if it
takes program resources.
Does the CDC recommend the use of pharmacy data for arthritis surveillance or to make cost estimates?
No. One problem is that very few arthritis medications are used only for
arthritis; most are used for other conditions as well. For example, some of the biologics can
cost $15,000 to $20,000 a year and are used for other conditions like
inflammatory bowel disease. This is an issue that needs to be further
explored to determine the utility of these data.
Does the CDC recommend using Veterans Administration (VA) data for arthritis surveillance?
No. VA data would be relevant only to the special population using the VA, and
cannot be generalized to the whole population.
Does the CDC recommend the use of hospital discharge data for arthritis surveillance?
In general the answer is no. The data are not useful for community prevalence estimates. We recommend this only if such an analysis will make a difference in your program activities or program plans.
At the national level, we have determined arthritis impact on hospitalizations
by looking at the National Hospital Discharge Survey. We will do similar
impact studies for lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. At the
state level, similar impact studies could be done if there were a complete
source of hospital discharges. However, states are discouraged from
pursuing these activities unless there is a direct link to program activities
and are consistent with state arthritis plans.
Does CDC have plans to collect or analyze data on juvenile arthritis?
Estimating arthritis prevalence and impact among children and teens is very difficult. Juvenile arthritis is relatively uncommon and it is not sensible to try to collect information through general self-report surveys because it is so rare. After considerable effort, working with experts in this contentious field, we have an approach that we think will work for national surveillance. Sacks JJ, Helmick CG, Luo YH, Ilowite NT, Bowyers S. Prevalence of an annual ambulatory health core visits for pediatric arthritis and other rheumatic conditions—United States, 2001-2004. Arthritis Care Res 2007;57(8):1439-1445.
How do BRFSS arthritis prevalence estimates compare with those from NHIS?
Although the two surveys used identical questions in 2002 and 2003, they generated different national estimates. Some of the reasons may be:
The Arthritis Conditions Health Effects Survey (ACHES) developed and funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveyed 2,238 persons with arthritis or chronic joint symptoms aged 45 years or older found by using random digit dialing between June 2005 and March 2006. Data were gathered on symptoms, limitations, levels of physical functioning, effects of arthritis on work, knowledge and attitudes about arthritis, self-management of arthritis, physical activity, anxiety and depression, and demographics. Data from ACHES are now available for public use.
Procedure: Proposed research activities involving the use of ACHES data
are reviewed and approved by the Arthritis Team. A special use dataset will
be generated from a subset of the ACHES dataset and will be provided in an
appropriate format determined for each request. Data may be restricted based
on completeness, quality and applicability to requested use, or sensitivity
of release. To obtain access to ACHES survey documentation ( screening and
consent script, questionnaire (English), questionnaire (Spanish), code book,
ACHES final report volume one and/or ACHES final report volume two), email
us at arthritis@cdc.gov and specify the documents you require. To obtain
access to the data applicants must complete the 1)
project summary form
(PDF–10K) and 2)
data sharing use agreement
(PDF–12K)
and return them to:
Chief, Arthritis Program
Division of Adult and Community Health, Arthritis Team
NCCDPHP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
4770 Buford Hwy, N.E., Mailstop K-51
Atlanta, GA 30341-3724
Phone: (770) 488-5464 Fax: (770) 488-5486
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Page last reviewed: June 8, 2008
Page last modified: September 9, 2008
Content Source: Division of
Adult and Community Health,
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
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