Epidemiological aspects of rheumatology

Summary

Interest has centered in recent years on the epidemiology of the chronic and degenerative diseases such as rheumatic disorders, and epidemiologists in many countries are now trying to achieve a better understanding of how they appear and develop in different population groups so that preventative measures can be taken. Some of the problems involved in the planning, interpretation and comparison of epidemiological studies are briefly discussed, and the data available on the prevalence and socio-economic effects of rheumatism in Portugal are reviewed.

Key Words::

• Rheumatism
• epidemiology