Although the cause for RA is unknown, several risk factors have been identified for the development of the condition. The greatest risk factor for acquiring RA is being a female. Women are 2.5 to 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with RA than men .  Additional risk factors include a history of receiving a blood transfusion, being between the ages of 25-45, being Caucasian or Native American, obesity, and a family positive history of the disease .  

·        Female Gender

·        Blood Transfusion Recipient

·        Age 25-35

·        Caucasian or Native American Descent

·        Obesity

·        Family History

The incidence of RA is approximately 70 new cases per 100,000 individuals in the United States (US) a year . According to the Center for Disease Control (2008, ¶ 1 ) the prevalence of RA is 46.4 million adults and approximately 294,000 children, with women representing two-thirds of the cases. . To extrapolate the impact arthritis had, the CDC collected and analyzed data using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey to ascertain the amount of arthritis-attributable work limitations (AAWL) by state.