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.
Journal of Rheumatology 23(11): 1862-1865
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0315-162X PMID: 8923357 Document Number: 466327
Objective: To determine the validity of a self-reported physician diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in elderly women. Methods: 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. Results: The self-reported diagnosis of RA could be confirmed in 26 (21%) individuals. Conclusion: 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.