The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in Western Australia

Abstract

Key points The study estimated a minimum prevalence of Rheumatoid Arthritis of 0.34% in Western Australia based on hospital diagnosis records over 20 years and 0.36% based on biological therapy dispensing over a decade. The study found that older females with Rheumatoid Arthritis who live in rural areas are more likely to experience frequent hospitalisations suggesting unmet needs in their primary care access.

Keywords

• Prevalence
• Arthritis
• Rheumatoid
• Hospitalisation
• Associated factors
• Biological therapy