Comorbidities Increasing in Arthritis Patients Save

A CDC report shows comorbid conditions exist in 73.1% of all arthritis patients. Based on NHIS survey data, the number of patients with 2 or more comorbid conditions has increased from 21.8% in 2001 to 25.5% in 2012.  Most affected were older adults (≥65 years), women, whites or blacks, overweight or obese adults, and current or former smokers. Modifiable lifestyle behavior factors, such as poor diet, physical inactivity, high BMI, and tobacco use, are some of the root causes of many chronic diseases. Public health interventions and programs that promote healthy diet, physical activity, weight control, and smoking cessation can address these risk factors effectively for individuals and populations.