Section II: The Public Health Approach to Arthritis

Let's take a look at some of the principles of public health as they apply to a specific public health challenge: arthritis.

Arthritis encompasses more than 100 diseases and conditions that affect joints, the surrounding tissues, and other connective tissues. It affects an estimated 43 million Americans - nearly one of every six people, making it one of the most common conditions in the United States. Although this prevalence is high, it is expected to increase even more as the U.S. population ages. By the year 2020, an estimated 60 million people will have arthritis. This trend is due in large part to the growing number of older Americans over the next 25 years and to the relatively high frequency of arthritis, primarily osteoarthritis, among older people.

In addition, because of their arthritis, over 7 million Americans are limited in their ability to participate in their usual daily activities. The prevalence of arthritis-related disability is expected to rise by 2020, when an estimated 11.6 million people will be affected.