Prevalence and treatment of symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis among over 65 year olds: a community profile.

A group of people aged 65 years and over was given a self-completion questionnaire requesting information about symptoms compatible with arthritis and rheumatism. Such symptoms were very common, more so in women than in men and were associated with marked degrees of disability and some dependency. The great majority of respondents said that they regarded their general practitioner as the best person for the treatment of such symptoms, but those with symptoms were slightly less likely than those without to suggest the general practitioner. Many people with symptoms had not reported them to any health service personnel, but had chosen to treat them themselves, suggesting a degree of scepticism about the effectiveness of professional treatment.