Validity of self-reported rheumatoid arthritis in elderly women.

Star, V L; Scott, J C; Sherwin, R; Lane, N; Nevitt, M C; Hochberg, M C · J Rheumatol · 1996

cross_sectional · Level IV

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Abstract

To determine the validity of a self-reported physician diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in elderly women. Women with self-reported RA were contacted and permission requested to contact their physician. Physicians were mailed a questionnaire requesting information on the subject's arthritic condition. Hand radiographs obtained at study entry were read for changes of RA. The self-reported diagnosis of RA could be confirmed in 26 (21%) individuals. The positive predictive value of self-reported RA was low in this cohort. Caution needs to be exercised in the use and interpretation of self-report data concerning arthritic conditions in epidemiologic studies.

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