PHOM Indicator Profile Report of Arthritis prevalence

Why Is This Important?

Arthritis affects 54 million adults (1 in every 4) in the United States and is projected to increase. Arthritis is a leading cause of disability and is associated with substantial activity limitation, work disability, and reduced quality of life. In 2023, the percentage of Utah adults aged 18 and older with arthritis was 22.0% (crude rate). This represents approximately 555,885 individuals based on the estimated Utah population 18 and older for 2023.

Arthritis prevalence in Utah has been under the U.S. average for multiple years. In 2019, Utah outpaced the U.S. arthritis prevalence and surpassed the average. This went back down in 2020 and has maintained it's status under the U.S. average since then. In 2022, the average rate of arthritis was 24% in the U.S. and 23.2% in Utah.

Data Notes

Doctor-diagnosed arthritis was self-reported and was not confirmed by a healthcare provider; however, such self-reports have been shown to be acceptable for surveillance purposes.   [[br]] [[br]]Age-adjusted to the U.S. 2000 standard population. Age-adjusted rates are based on 5 age groups: 18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-64, and 65+.

Risk Factors

The prevalence of arthritis increases with age. Females are more likely to report arthritis than males. White, non-Hispanic individuals are more likely to report arthritis than Hispanic persons. Having one or more chronic condition is also a risk factor of arthritis. Specific genes are associated with a higher risk of certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), and ankylosing spondylitis. Other risk factors include joint injuries, infection, and occupations that involve repetitive knee bending and squatting.

How Are We Doing?

More than 1 in 5 Utah adults reported having arthritis over the past several years. As people age, the likelihood of having arthritis increases. For example, 6.1% of adults aged 18-34 reported having arthritis whereas 51.8% adults 65 years and older reported having arthritis (combined years 2021-2023). As the older adult population increases in the coming years, the prevalence of arthritis is also projected to increase. Women 65 years and older were the most likely to have arthritis with 56.1% reporting arthritis. This was significantly greater than the rate for men of the same age (46.8%). Women were more likely to have arthritis for all age groups. Other groups that were less likely to have arthritis included college graduates, Hispanics, and adults making more than $75,000 a year when compared to those with less education, non-Hispanics, and those making less than $75,000 a year, respectively. Arthritis prevalence also differed by geographic location. The age-adjusted prevalence of arthritis (combined years 2021-2023) in local health districts ranged from a low of 19.7% in Summit County to a high of 29.5% in Southeast Utah. Health districts with rates significantly lower than the state rate included Salt Lake County and Utah County. Health districts with rates significantly higher than the state rate included Davis County, Tooele County, Weber-Morgan, and Southeast.

What Is Being Done?

The Healthy Aging Program focuses on measuring the occurrence of arthritis in Utah, increasing arthritis awareness and educational opportunities, and promoting participation in programs proven to help persons with arthritis, pain, and other chronic conditions. Additionally, the Healthy Aging Program supports health systems, clinics, and physicians using strategies and resources that support healthcare provider-patient counseling to increase physical activity and referrals to the evidence-based workshops and exercise classes [https://www.selfmanagementresource.com/programs proven] to help patients improve their mental and physical health.