High prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in yakima indians

Abstract A survey among Yakima Indian women, ages 18 to 79, in central Washington State revealed a prevalence of definite rheumatoid arthritis of 3.4%. compared with 1.4% among American women in the National Health Examination Survey (NHES). The prevalence is higher than has been observed in any previously studied population. Men were not studied. The prevalence was high in all age groups, but was most excessive among women under age 35.