Trends and Health Inequalities in the global, regional, and national prevalence of Rheumatoid Arthritis from 1990 to 2021: Insights from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a significant autoimmune disorder leading to chronic joint inflammation and considerable morbidity. It poses a major public health concern due to its increasing prevalence and the associated economic burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Understanding the global, regional, and national trends in RA prevalence is crucial for developing effective interventions. Methods This study utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database to analyze RA prevalence from 1990 to 2021, employing all-age prevalence rates (AAPR) and age-standardized prevalence rates (ASPR) to assess trends. Decomposition and health inequality analyses were conducted using statistical methods, including the slope index of inequality and concentration index. Results The global RA cases surged from approximately 7.96 million in 1990 to 17.92 million by 2021. The ASPR reached 208.9 per 100,000 individuals, with high socio-demographic index (SDI) regions reporting an AAPR of 440.9 per 100,000, contrasted with low SDI regions at 65.02. Decomposition analysis revealed that population growth (52.38%) and age structure shifts (30.87%) were significant contributors to the rising prevalence. Conclusion The findings underscore the growing global burden of RA, particularly in higher SDI regions, highlighting critical health inequalities. Addressing these disparities is essential for effective interventions, emphasizing the need for targeted healthcare strategies to improve outcomes for affected populations. Future research should continue to explore the multifactorial nature of RA and the socio-economic determinants influencing its prevalence.