Prevalencia y factores de riesgo de artritis reumatoide utilizando cuestionario Copcord, en personas mayores de 18 años. Cuenca, Ecuador, 2014

Abstract

Objectives. To determine the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis and identify associated factors in elderly and 18 residents in Cuenca. Material and methods. With a cross-sectional household survey of 2,500 adults was applied using the questionnaire COPCORD (Community Oriented Program for the Control of Rheumatic Diseases) validated in people over 18 years to identify rheumatic symptoms. Participants trained interviewers. Rheumatoid Arthritis prevalence was calculated and sought association with age, sex and consumption of snuff. Functional capacity assessment by the HAQ were evaluated. Results. The population was characterized by a predominance of women (59.6%), age 42.9 ± 17.6 years (range: 18-97), years of schooling 10.2 ± 5.4 (range: 0-28), with mostly married (58%) and single (24.2%) and residence in rural areas (67.7%). Housewife (22.4%), unemployment (15.9%), office (13.5%), independent professionals (12.7%) and workers (12.4%) were the main activities. Revenues 67.2% of the study population were below USD 701, USD 1500 higher revenues were found in 1.6%. 41.4% seek medical care in MSP hospitals and 24.2% in Social Security. 30.3% go to private practice. The prevalence of RA was 0.8% (95% CI 0.5 to 1.2). There was an association with female gender (P = 0.014) but not with age greater than 65 years (P = 0.432) nor smoking (P = 0.275). The HAQ valuation found in the group of people with RA 33.3% have difficulty performing activities in the past seven days (P <0.001). Discussion. The prevalence of AR is within the figures reported in the medical literature as well as the association to female gender. The negative association with age greater than 65 years and smoking will undoubtedly require additional analysis to explain. The decrease in functional capacity is closely related to rheumatoid arthritis.