Arthritis or rheumatism is the most common cause of disability. An estimated 8.6 million people are disabled by the disease. Back or spine problems (7.6 million) and heart trouble (3 million) are the second and third most common causes of disability. Those numbers were determined by the CDC and U.S. Census Bureau after analyzing the most recent data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP).
The analysis, reported in the May 1, 2009 Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report, revealed that while the prevalence of disability (the percentage of a population affected at a given time) essentially remained unchanged between 1999 and 2005 (about 22%), the absolute number of people self-reporting a disability increased 7.7%, from 44.1 to 47.5 million people. An aging population, especially those referred to as "baby boomers" who were born between 1946-1964, account for much of the increase.
Women had a significantly higher prevalence of disability compared to men, 24.4% compared to 19.1% for all age groups. The prevalence of disability also increased with age, as you might expect. People who participated in the survey reported difficulty with functional activities. Walking 3 city blocks and climbing a flight of stairs were most problematic. It is known that arthritis can significantly affect daily living activities. By 2030, the number of people with arthritis is expected by jump from nearly 48 million to 67 million people. Arthritis management has never been more important.
Related Resources:
- Arthritis Affects Daily Living Activities
- How Is Physical Function Assessed?
- Mobility Aids - What You Need to Know
- Are You a Housekeeping Failure Because of Arthritis?
- Rheumatism, Rheumatic Disease, and Arthritis: Are They the Same?
Join the Discussion:
Photo by Barbara Sauder
