OBJECTIVETo validate the difference on the prevalence of rheumatic symptoms between north and south parts of the country and to study the associated risk factors of rheumatic complaints in Shantou city, China.

METHODSA total number of 10 638 people at above 16 years of age from four samples, were surveyed in 1987, 1992, 1995, and 1999. Protocol of International League Against Rheumatism (ILAR)-China collaborative study or WHO-ILAR community oriented program for control of rheumatic disease(COPCORD) core questionnaire was implemented. Data on related rheumatic symptoms were collected and analyzed.

RESULTSThe prevalence rate of rheumatic complaints had been increasing in Shantou area during the last decade (in 1987 11.6%, 1992 12.5%, 1995 16.0% and 1999 19.8%) but still lower than that seen in Beijing, China in 1987(40.0%). Rheumatic symptoms were more prevalent in females than in males, in elderly than in young people with most frequently involved site happened in low back area, followed by knee and neck. Lumbar pain was more frequent among rural residents, while neck pain was more prevalent in urban school students. Prevalence of knee pain was significantly higher in people living in multi-storey buildings without elevator than those living in single-storey houses. The peak values of Bone Mineral Density in Shantou population were (0.839 +/- 0.085) g/cm2 in men, and (0.723 +/- 0.064) g/cm2 in women, significantly higher than that reported in 13 other provinces and cities including Beijing. The sense of seeking for medical help was higher in population with higher prevalence of rheumatic symptoms than that in lower complaints group. However, no significant difference was found in the rates of disability among the different populations.

CONCLUSIONThe prevalence rate of rheumatic complaints was lower in Shantou than that in Beijing. Socio-economic status, environment, sex, age, occupation, ergonomics, bone mineral density, and awareness of seeking medical care might have been the associated risk factors to the prevalence of rheumatic complaints.