Maryland Arthritis Project

Data

Using funding from the CDC, the DHMH uses the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).  The BRFSS is the world’s largest, on-going telephone health survey system and is used to track the prevalence of arthritis in the state of Maryland. 

Status of Arthritis in Maryland

  • The 2005 BRFSS estimates that 1.1 million or 1 in 4 adults have doctor- diagnosed arthritis.
  • More than half of adults age 65 and older have arthritis.
  • Arthritis is more common in women than in men.
  • Arthritis is also common among adults with lower levels of physical activity.
  • The percentage of adults with arthritis is highest among Caucasians followed by African Americans.
  • About 1 in 3 adults aged 18 to 64 with doctor-diagnosed arthritis has a work limitation due to arthritis or joint symptoms.
  • Maryland adults with arthritis reported having poorer health status than adults without arthritis.

Graphs (Open in new window)