Prevalence Of Arthritis And Arthritis-Attributable Activity Limitation - United States, 2016-2018

What is already known about this topic?Arthritis is a leading cause of disability among U.S. adults. Arthritis-attributable medical care expenditures and earnings losses were responsible for >$300 billion direct and indirect annual costs in 2013.What is added by this report?National prevalence of arthritis and arthritis-attributable activity limitations (AAAL) continue to increase in absolute number: 58.5 million (23.7%) U.S. adults have arthritis, 25.7 million (43.9%) of whom have AAAL. Both conditions are most prevalent among adults with worse physical and mental health profiles and more social disadvantage.What are the implications for public health practice?More widespread dissemination of existing, evidence-based, community-delivered interventions, along with clinical coordination and attention to social determinants of health (e.g., improved social, economic, and mental health opportunities), can help reduce widespread arthritis prevalence and its adverse effects.