NATIVE AMERICANS experience the highest premature mortality rates from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the United States, according to a comprehensive study analyzing national data from 1999 to 2020. This research highlights significant disparities in RA outcomes among racial and ethnic groups, with profound implications for healthcare professionals.
RA, a chronic autoimmune disease affecting up to 1% of the U.S. population, can lead to debilitating joint damage and systemic complications. The study utilized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s national mortality database to evaluate age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) across racial and ethnic groups, revealing stark differences.
Key findings include:
Highest RA Mortality in Native Americans: Native Americans exhibited an ASMR of 5.14 per 100,000 persons, nearly double that of non-Hispanic (NH) whites (2.87) and substantially higher than NH-blacks (2.25), Hispanics (2.15), and NH-Asian/Pacific Islanders (1.26).
Age-Related Disparities: RA mortality was 10.8 times higher in Native Americans aged ≤44 compared to NH-whites. The disparity lessened with age but remained significant, with Native Americans comprising 36% of RA deaths at ≥65, compared to 14% among NH-whites.
Trends Over Time: While RA mortality declined across most racial groups for those under 65, it remained stagnant among Native Americans.
Gender Differences: Younger Native American females (<65) faced the most significant risk, with an odds ratio of 2.65 compared to NH-white females, followed by younger males (1.56). These disparities underscore an urgent need for targeted interventions and resource allocation. The findings call for further research into underlying causes, such as access to care, genetic predispositions, and socio-economic factors, to mitigate these inequities. Healthcare professionals should prioritize culturally sensitive care and advocate for systemic changes to address these alarming trends. Early diagnosis, tailored treatment strategies, and community engagement are essential to reducing the burden of RA and improving outcomes for Native American patients. Reference: Das P et al. Native Americans Experience Profound Premature Mortality from Rheumatoid Arthritis. Abstract 1747. American College of Rheumatology Convergence 2024, Sunday, November 17, 2024, Los Angeles, California, USA. Anaya Malik | AMJ
