Comorbidity and lifestyle, reproductive factors, and environmental exposures associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To evaluate the influence of lifestyle, reproduction, and some external factors on the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to describe its comorbidity.

Methods

Cases were identified retrospectively from 1980 to 1995 at the University Hospital in Linköping, Sweden. The study comprised 422 cases and 859 randomly selected population referents. Data on possible aetiological factors and comorbidity were collected by postal questionnaire.

Results

The response rates were 67% among cases and 59% among referents. A decrease in the occurrence of atopic allergy was seen in the cases (odds ratio (OR) 0.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.4 to 1.0). There was a positive association between RA and insulin treatment (OR 10.2, 95% CI 1.7 to 60.8) in women, and women

SUBMITTER: Reckner Olsson A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1753392 | biostudies-literature | 2001 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature