Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) prevalence has been reported differently in various populations, ethnic groups, geographical areas and as well as at different times. The information about the prevalence of RA in Turkey is lacking. We conducted a study aiming at determination of the prevalence of RA in an urban area in Izmir, Turkey.

Methods: The study was conducted in the Balcova and Narlidere districts of Izmir and involved 2835 subjects (1551 female, 1284 male) aged 20 years or more from 8 general practices. Nine medical doctors administered a questionnaire for RA by face-to-face interview. Subjects reporting a history of swelling in at least two joints lasting more than four continuous weeks invited to examination. Cases were defined by the 1987 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria modified for use in population studies.

Results: A total of 301 (243 women, 58 men) people (10.6%) answered positively to screening questionnaire and 240 (79.7%) accepted clinical examination either at clinic or at home. Among them, 14 (12 female, 2 male) patients fulfilled the ACR criteria for RA. The prevalence of RA was 0.49% (95% CI 0.23-0.75) in our total population interviewed, 0.77% (95%CI 0.75-0.79) in women and 0.15% (95%CI 0.13-0.17) in men. Five of the 14 cases of RA had not been diagnosed previously.

Conclusion: These data are consistent with the results of other Mediterranean countries. It was shown that a significant proportion of RA cases remained undiagnosed in the community.

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