One in 7 have Arthritis

About 3.3 million Australians or one in seven had some form of arthritis in 2011-12, according to a new report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).  Presented as part of the AIWH’s web-based Musculoskeletal Conditions Compendium, the report shows that 1.8 million had osteoarthritis affecting joints such as hips, knees and ankles while a further 445,000 had the immunological disorder of rheumatoid arthritis. 

AIHW spokesperson Tim Beard said women are still most affected by all forms of arthritis, accounting for 60%, or two million, selfreported cases. The report also showed that hospitalisation rates for the condition have increased.  “Hospitalisation rates for both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis have increased markedly despite little change in their prevalence over last 10 years,” Beard said.

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Source:pharmacydaily.com.au, Friday 15 May 2015