More than 220,000 children were diagnosed with arthritis between 2017 and 2021, a CDC report published in July estimates. The majority of diagnoses were adolescents between 12 and 18 years old.
The data, collected in a parent-reported National Survey of Children’s Health conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, points out that health experts may need to reassess how arthritis is traditionally diagnosed and treated since it is more commonly associated with older adults.
Existing mental health conditions, race and social inequities were also factors that increased childrens' risk of an early arthritis diagnosis, according to the report.
"Although arthritis can affect children and adolescents of all races and ethnicities, this study identified racial and ethnic disparities," the CDC report reads. "Arthritis prevalence among Black children and adolescents was twice that among those who were White. Further, prevalence of arthritis was inversely related to the highest level of parental education attained. These disparities highlight the importance of addressing social determinants of health because the impacts on health and well-being can be seen as early as childhood."
The authors of the study suggest additional research be explored related to the overlap of childhood arthritis diagnoses and mental health conditions.