OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence trends of osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and other types of arthritis in the United States from 1999 to 2014.

METHODS

We analyzed data on 43 706 community-dwelling adults aged 20 years and older who participated in the 1999-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. We accounted for survey design and sampling weights so that estimates were nationally representative. We assessed temporal trends in age-standardized arthritis prevalence by using joinpoint regression.

RESULTS

Age-adjusted prevalence of arthritis was 24.7% (OA = 9.7%; RA = 4.2%; other arthritis = 2.8%; "don't know" type = 8.0%). Prevalence of OA increased from 6.6% to 14.3%, whereas RA prevalence decreased from 5.9% to 3.8%. Increase in OA prevalence was significant in both genders; in non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks, and Hispanics; and in people with high socioeconomic status. Decrease in RA prevalence was more pronounced in men, non-Hispanic Blacks, and participants with low income or obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

Between 1999 and 2014, nearly one quarter of American adults reported arthritis. The prevalence of OA has more than doubled over time, whereas RA prevalence has declined.