Key result
The global age-standardized prevalence rate of rheumatoid arthritis among the working-age population increased from 195.05 per 100,000 in 1990 to 222.68 per 100,000 in 2021 (EAPC 0.53).
Why the study?
The study was conducted to evaluate the global age-standardized incidence, prevalence, death, and disability-adjusted life year rates of rheumatoid arthritis among the working-age population from 1990 to 2021.
Observational
Effect estimate: EAPC 0.53 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.57)
Absolute Event Rate: 222.68% vs 195.05%
The global burden of rheumatoid arthritis in the working-age population is substantial and increasing, with significant regional disparities driven by socio-demographic index and population growth.
Highlights evolving RA burden in working-age adults; leaves open causal drivers and targeted interventions.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the age-standardized incidence (ASIR), prevalence (ASPR), death (ASDR), and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rates of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) among the working-age population from 1990 to 2021. METHODS: The data is sourced from the Global Burden of Disease 2021. Estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was utilized to assess temporal trends. Decomposition analysis was conducted to identify the driving factors underlying burden changes. The Slope Index of Inequality and the Concentration Index were employed to evaluate cross-country inequalities. RESULTS: In 2021, there were 11.88 million cases of RA in the working-age population globally and an ASPR of 222.68 per 100,000 population. The ASIR was 14.09 per 100,000 population (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 8.97 - 20.19), while the ASDR was 0.13 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 0.11-0.15), with an EAPC of -1.59 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.73 to -1.45), indicating a sustained decline in RA ASDR. The age-standardized DALYs rate was 34.54 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 23.90 - 48.67), with an EAPC of 0.15 (95% CI: 0.10 to 0.20). Regionally, high Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) regions exhibited the highest ASPR, ASIR, and age-standardized DALYs rates, suggesting a greater overall burden of RA. Interestingly, middle SDI regions showed the highest ASDR, potentially indicating differences in disease management and access to care that impact mortality despite a lower overall burden compared to high SDI regions. Decomposition analysis identified population growth as the primary driver of the increasing RA burden. Cross-national inequality analysis revealed that RA burden remains concentrated in high SDI countries, though overall health inequality has declined. CONCLUSIONS: The substantial global burden and regional disparities of RA in the working-age population necessitate targeted interventions. High SDI regions require strategies focusing on early diagnosis and optimal management to reduce the high burden. Elevated mortality in middle SDI regions demands improved access to effective treatment. These findings underscore the need for SDI-tailored public health approaches to address the specific challenges in each context.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Li et al. (2025) conducted an observational in Rheumatoid arthritis. Time period (1990-2021) vs. 1990 baseline was evaluated on Age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) per 100,000 population (EAPC 0.53, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.57). The global age-standardized prevalence rate of rheumatoid arthritis among the working-age population increased from 195.05 per 100,000 in 1990 to 222.68 per 100,000 in 2021 (EAPC 0.53).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: