19% Arthritis Prevalence in the USA Save

According to the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), in 2022, the prevalence of diagnosed arthritis in adults was 18.9% (women 21.5%, more than men 16.1%). These numbers are down since the CDC's MMWR report of 2019–2021, where is was estimated 21.2% of U.S. adults (53.2 million) had "diagnosed arthritis". 

Trends show: 

• Arthritis increased with increasing age, from 3.6% in adults ages 18–34 to 53.9% in those age 75 and older.
• Black non-Hispanic, White non-Hispanic, and other and multiple-race non-Hispanic adults were more likely to have arthritis than Hispanic and Asian non-Hispanic adults.
• Arthritis prevalence decreased with increasing family income.
• Arthritis prevalence varied by region but decreased with urbanization .

Were there differences by race in arthritis?

• Black non-Hispanic (subsequently, Black) adults (19.2%), White non-Hispanic (subsequently, White) adults (20.7%), and other and multiple-race non-Hispanic adults (22.5%) were more likely to have arthritis than Hispanic (14.6%) and Asian non-Hispanic (subsequently, Asian) (11.3%) adults 
• Hispanic adults were more likely to have arthritis than Asian adults.

Did arthritis prevalence vary by family income and education level?

• Arthritis decreased with increasing family income, from 24.7% among adults with family income less than 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL), 21.9% among those with income at 100% to less than 200% FPL, 19.2% among those with income at 200% to less than 400% FPL, to 16.6% among those with income at 400% FPL or more. 
• College graduates were less likely to have arthritis (15.3%) than those with a high school education or less (20.0%) or some college (21.6%).

Did the percentage of adults with arthritis vary by urbanization level or region?

• Urbanization decreased arthritis, from 16.1% of adults living in large central metropolitan areas, 18.2% living in large fringe metropolitan areas, 20.3% living in medium and small metropolitan areas, to 23.5% living in nonmetropolitan areas 
• Arthritis varied by region: adults living in the Midwest (20.0%) and South (19.3%) generally were more likely to have arthritis than those living in the Northeast (18.2%) or West (18.0%), but the difference between South and Northeast was not significant.
• Adults living in nonmetropolitan areas were most likely to have arthritis, and the prevalence decreased with increasing urbanization level.

Arthritis affects health and functioning and is a leading cause of disability. Healthy People 2030 includes objectives to reduce pain, limitations, and disability from arthritis.