Prevalence and impact of arthritis among women--United States, 1989-1991.

Arthritis and other rheumatic conditions are among the most prevalent chronic conditions in the United States, affecting approximately 38 million persons (1). The self-reported prevalence of arthritis is greater among women than among men, and for women aged > 45 years, arthritis is the leading cause of activity limitation (1,2). This report uses data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to provide estimates of the prevalence and impact of arthritis among women aged > or = 15 years during 1989-1991, compares the prevalence estimates of arthritis to other chronic conditions affecting women during 1989-1991, and projects the prevalence of arthritis among women in 2020.