Epidemiological aspects of osteo-arthritis--an interview survey of the Swedish population and a review of previous studies.

A review of available prevalence data illustrates the importance of criteria and sampling in the study of osteo-arthritis (OA). An interview survey and insurance data were used to investigate regional distribution of OA in Sweden. Reported longstanding illness, complaints, handicap or other debility due to OA were most prevalent in Northern and in a South-Eastern areas of Sweden. OA was more prevalent among women than among men after retirement age. It was a larger part of all longstanding disorders in the South-Eastern than in other parts of Sweden. Several factors of physical strain from work were frequent in the South-Eastern and Northern areas but complaints of hot and cold climate conditions at work place were the most significant factors. The frequency of early pension due to OA was highest in the North of Sweden but higher frequencies were registered also in the South-Eastern region compared to adjacent areas of Southern Sweden.