Prevalence of arthritis 305 per 100,000 children, teens in U.S.

The prevalence of arthritis is 305 per 100,000 children and adolescents in the United States, with higher prevalence among non-Hispanic Black or African American versus non-Hispanic White children and adolescents, according to research published in the July 21 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Tyler D. Lites, M.P.H., from the CDC in Atlanta, and colleagues estimated the national prevalence of parent-reported arthritis diagnosed among children and adolescents younger than 18 years using aggregated data from the 2017 to 2021 National Survey of Children's Health.

The researchers found that an estimated 220,000 U.S. children and adolescents had diagnosed arthritis (305 per 100,000). The prevalence of arthritis was twofold higher in non-Hispanic Black or African American children and adolescents than non-Hispanic White children and adolescents. A higher prevalence of arthritis was seen in association with co-occurring conditions, including depression, anxiety, overweight, physical inactivity, and food insecurity.

"The findings from this report highlight children and adolescents to prioritize for arthritis prevention and treatment by identifying risk factors for arthritis among children and adolescents, developing self-management interventions to improve childhood arthritis, physical activity or weight control, and screening and linking children and adolescents to needed mental health services," the authors write.