3019.0: Monday, November 13, 2000 - Board 2

Abstract #6824

Diet and weight as risk factors for arthritis in the Third National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III)

Gregory S. Vaughn, MPH, Dept. of Epidemiology, UCLA School of Public Health, 9509 Oakmore Road, Los Angeles, CA 90035, 310-559-9927, gvaughn@ucla.edu

Background: Previous studies have examined the effect of fish oils, vegetables, milk products, body weight and exercise on arthritis; few studies have examined fish consumption directly. Objectives: To test the influence of diet, exercise and weight on the occurrence of arthritis among 21-50 year olds. Methods: Data were obtained from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-1994 (NHANES III). Logistic regression was used to assess the role of fish, carrot consumption, milk and body weight in relation to arthritis. Results: Of the 10,014 people interviewed, 8 % said they had arthritis. The analysis revealed that fish and carrot consumption were inversely associated with arthritis [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=0.65, 95% confidence limits (CL)=0.51, 0.82 and aOR=0.85, CL=0.7, 1.03, respectively]; Milk consumption and increased body weight had a positive association (aOR=1.28, 95 CL 1.01, 1.60 and aOR=1.37, CL=1.22, 1.54, respectively). Exercise was not associated with arthritis (aOR=0.97, CL=0.91, 1.04). Implications: Arthritis can be a debilitating disease that can influence the day to day activities of those who are stricken by it. While diet, exercise, and weight may appear to be important factors in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, diet and weight may be more important in determining whether an individual will suffer from arthritis as they begin to age. Understanding these links can be extremely beneficial in avoiding arthritis.

Learning Objectives: Identify several proposed risk factors for arthritis. Discuss controversies in the literature regarding risk factors for arthritis

Keywords: Arthritis, Nutrition

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA