Estimation of the Prevalence of Rheumatic Diseases in Israel

Objectives To study the prevalence of rheumatic diseases in Israel by applying the Community Oriented Program for the Control of Rheumatic Diseases core questionnaire (CCQ). Methods Representative samples (total of 2520 people) of the Israeli Jewish population aged ≥20 were surveyed for rheumatic complaints on 4 separate occasions by the CCQ telephone interview. The findings of the telephone interview were compared with a face-to-face interview and to rheumatologist examination, in 2 separate stages. Results The telephone applied CCQ had a sensitivity level of 88.6% and specificity of 70.0% when compared with the rheumatologist evaluation (κ = 0.576) ( P P P P range in separate surveys) and increasing age ( P P P Conclusions The telephone applied CCQ was reliable in screening for rheumatic complaints. Rates for rheumatic complaints in Israel were similar to those in some other countries. Rheumatic complaints were common, age- and gender-related, associated with work discapacity, and with country of origin. This is the first longitudinal prevalence survey of rheumatic complaints in Israel.