The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in middle-aged and elderly people in Tibet Autonomous Region of China

Abstract Objective There has been no epidemiological survey of it in Tibet. We estimated the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in Luoma Town, Naqu City, Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Methods A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1458 residents of Luoma Town, Tibet Autonomous Region, aged ≥ 40 years. We used questionnaires in face-to-face interviews, anthropometric measurements and rheumatoid factor (RF), autoantibodies binding to citrullinated antigens (ACPA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) test. The definition of rheumatoid arthritis in this study was on the basis of new 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria. Results 782 participants completed all items of rheumatoid arthritis. The overall crude prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis was 4.86%. The prevalence was higher in women than in men (7.14% vs. 2.56%, P = 0.005). Tibetan had a higher age-standardized prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis 6.30% (95% confidence interval: 4.20% − 8.64%) compared with the other areas in China (range: 0.20% − 0.93%). Conclusion The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis is relatively higher than other places in China.