Differences in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Rates by Ethnicity in England
Author Information
Author(s): Richard P Beesley, Kimme L Hyrich, Jenny H Humphreys
Primary Institution: The University of Manchester
Hypothesis
This study aimed to estimate the incidence and prevalence rates of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) by ethnic group in primary care electronic health records in England.
Conclusion
The incidence and prevalence of JIA differs between ethnic groups, with higher rates observed in white children compared to other ethnicities.
Supporting Evidence
- 424 incident cases of JIA were identified, with 389 validated using Hospital Episode Statistics.
- Incidence of JIA was higher amongst those of white ethnic group (6.2 per 100,000 population) compared to mixed (3.0), Asian (2.7), and Black (2.9) communities.
- The ethnic group distribution of cases differed significantly compared with the general population (P < 0.0001).
- Children and young people from non-white ethnic groups are less likely to be diagnosed with JIA.
Takeaway
This study found that kids with juvenile idiopathic arthritis are more likely to be white, and understanding why this happens can help doctors provide better care.
Methodology
Data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum was used to estimate the incidence and prevalence of JIA by ethnic group among children under 16 years from 2003 to 2018.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to under-representation of certain ethnic groups in hospital-derived cohorts.
Limitations
The CPRD does not encode JIA subtypes, which limits detailed analysis by ethnicity subgroups.
Participant Demographics
Children and young people under 16 years of age registered with a GP practice in England.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 4.9, 6.0
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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