Hootman and colleagues researched the public health impact of arthritis among women, and reviewed national and state arthritis programs. They found that arthritis and related conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematous, and fibromyalgia mainly affect women. Physical activity and self-management programs have been shown to reduce pain, increase function, and delay disability, but are not sufficiently utilized.

Click on related NCHPAD factsheets:
http://www.ncpad.org/3/3/Arthritis

and monographs:
http://www.ncpad.org/112/861/Rheumatoid~Arthritis~and~Exercise
http://www.ncpad.org/33/253/Systemic~Lupus

Read the entire article: Hootman, J., Sniezek, J., Helmick, C. (2002). Observations from the CDC: Women with arthritis: Burden, impact, and prevention programs. Journal of Women's Health and Gender-Based Medicine, 11 (5): 407-416.