Study: Women More Affected Than Men by Rheumatoid Arthritis

Men and women are affected by rheumatoid arthritis in different ways, according to Australian researchers reporting on a study of 81 patients.

Women reported worse physical functioning and scored lower scores on a health assessment questionnaire than the men and received more assistance from family and friends, according to the study published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

Women spent more on non-prescription medication and devices to assist them than men. Older patients had higher expenditures on visits to health professionals and younger patients spent more on prescription medication and tests.

Women were more affected by their disease than men in health status, social impact and out-of-pocket costs, according to the researchers.

Other sources: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases