JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are prevalent chronic joint disorders, with prevalence rates varying by sex. However, few studies have comprehensively documented the factors contributing to the sex-specific prevalence of OA and RA, including sociological factors and the impact of the COVID–19 pandemic.

Objective:

Our study aimed to identify long-term trends in the sex-specific prevalence of OA and RA from 2005 to 2021, while examining the factors that serve as vulnerabilities specific to each sex within the context of the COVID–19 pandemic.

Methods:

Data were collected from a nationally representative sample of 110,225 individuals through the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2005 to 2021. The study included patients aged 19 years and older diagnosed with OA or RA in South Korea. Data were analyzed using weighted trends to accurately represent the sample population, with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Weighted logistic and regression models were employed to identify vulnerable groups at risk of OA or RA during the pandemic to assess the sex-specific trend.

Results:

110,225 individuals (48,410 males [43.92%]) were analyzed from 2005 to 2021, with prevalence rates remaining stable over time and higher in females than in males. Notably, during the pandemic, females aged 60 years and older exhibited a prevalence of OA that was 4.92 times greater and RA that was 6.44 times greater than that of males (OA: PR, 69.78 [95% CI, 41.66 to 116.88]; RA: 17.27 [8.75 to 34.07]). In terms of OA, males did not show a significant association with body mass index (BMI) (PR, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.21 to 1.61]), whereas females exhibited a significantly higher vulnerability within the obese group (1.68 [1.55 to 1.83]). Regarding RA, lower education levels were associated with increased vulnerability, with males showing a greater risk than females (males: PR, 2.29 [95% CI, 1.61 to 3.27]; females: 1.50 [1.23 to 1.84]).

Conclusions:

This study reveals that females in South Korea have a higher prevalence of OA and RA than males. Understanding these sex-specific trends and identifying vulnerability factors can enhance preventive efforts and patient care.