Cost-effectiveness of the arthritis self-help course.

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Abstract
ARTHRITIS, which is the leading cause of disability in the United States,1 limits independence and reduces quality of life. An estimated 38 million Americans (15.0% of the population) had arthritis or another rheumatic condition in 1990,2,3 more than two fifths of whom were aged 65 years or older. In the year 2020, 60 million Americans (18.2% of the population) are projected to be affected by these disorders.2,3 In 1990, an estimated 2.8% of Americans (7.0 million) experienced limitation in activity (a measure of disability) from these conditions; among those aged 65 years or older, the estimate was 11.6% (3.7 million).2,3 In 2020, 3.6% (11.6 million) of the population is projected to suffer limitation in activity because of arthritis or other rheumatic condition.2,3 Direct and indirect costs for arthritis were estimated to total $65 billion in 19924 and are likely to increase dramatically as the baby boom cohort ages; about half of Americans aged 65 years or older have arthritis or another rheumatic condition.2,3