Trends and disparities in the prevalence of diagnosed arthritis among United States adults from 2019 to 2022

Arthritis is a predominant cause of disability in the United States, imposing substantial economic burdens and public health challenges. This study aimed to analyze the trends and disparities in the prevalence of arthritis among US adults from 2019 to 2022. The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) database of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention was analyzed, employing Joinpoint regression analysis for determining annual percentage changes (APCs) and prevalence percentages with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The prevalence of diagnosed arthritis among US adults remained relatively stable and slightly increased from 21.4% (95% CI: 20.9, 22.0) in 2019 to 21.6% (95% CI: 21.0, 22.2) in 2022 (APC: 0.4698; 95% CI: ‐1.0841, 2.0577). Females had a higher prevalence, which also increased from 24.3% to 25.0% (APC: 1.0218; 95% CI: ‐0.4408, 2.5223) with male prevalence ranging from 18.3% to 18.0% (APC: ‐0.3254; 95% CI: ‐2.6590, 2.0817). Age-related differences were particularly evident, with rates peaking in individuals aged ≥ 75 years at 53.9% in 2022. Racial disparities were observed, with White adults having a higher prevalence each year (23.8% in 2022). Geographic factors influenced prevalence, with higher rates noted in areas outside metropolitan areas and in the Midwest. Analysis of the NHIS database indicated a slight rise in arthritis prevalence overall, accompanied by notable demographic disparities. These results emphasize the necessity for tailored public health interventions and efficient disease management approaches tailored to specific populations.