ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the prevalence rate of rheumatoid arthritis in Zhuang nationality population of Nanning, Guangxi.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 7407 people with Zhuang nationality, aged 16 and over were surveyed. Questionnaire was administered to each subject under survey, while X-ray and serum rheumatoid factor were carried out to all those who gave positive answers. Physical examinations were done to the suspicious cases by experts on rheumatism.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>were compared with those in 6826 people of Han ethnicity living in the same district.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The prevalence rates of rheumatoid arthritis in Zhuang nationality population was 0.27% when comparing to the Han population which was 0.28% (P > 0.05). Rates of awareness on rheumatoid arthritis in Zhuang and Han population were 5.0% and 10.5% (P > 0.05). After the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis was made and among patients who had received the treatment, the rates were 0% vs. 5.25%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The prevalence rate of rheumatoid arthritis in Zhuang nationality population of Nanning, Guangxi was not significantly different than that in Han ethnic group. However, the rates on awareness and the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis were still under satisfaction.</p>