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Research published in PLOS ONE indicates that women who give birth for the first time before 26 or after 35 years of age may have a heightened risk of rheumatoid arthritis. The study utilized data from the NHANES, analyzing 7,449 women, and found specific age ranges of first birth associated with increased odds of developing the condition. This insight could help in formulating screening and prevention strategies for women deemed to be at risk.
Reproductive factors, including age at first birth, can influence rheumatoid arthritis risk.
Rheumatoid arthritis has been linked to various reproductive factors, which necessitates further exploration into how these affect disease prevalence.
Understanding the reproductive history can aid in assessing rheumatoid arthritis risk in women.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition disproportionately affecting women. Several reproductive factors, such as age at first birth (AFB), have been speculated to influence the risk of developing this condition.
“Factors including age at menarche, age at first birth (AFB), hysterectomy or oophorectomy history, and menopause are closely associated with RA prevalence,” said the study authors.
This comment underscores the importance of examining the role of various reproductive events in understanding rheumatoid arthritis risk. Recognizing these factors helps in identifying at-risk populations better.
Early or late age at first birth increases rheumatoid arthritis risk.
Women having their first child at very young or older ages are at an elevated rheumatoid arthritis risk.
Statistical evidence from the NHANES study links specific ages of first childbirth to higher disease risk.
The study conducted by Hang Cui and her colleagues analyzed data from 7,449 women and found a significant correlation between age at first birth and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
Compared with the control group (women who had their first birth between 30-32 years), those with first births younger than 26 or older than 35 years showed increased odds of developing rheumatoid arthritis, recorded as odds ratios of 4.00 and 3.36, respectively.
Policymakers should focus on targeted screening for at-risk groups.
The study results suggest that targeted screenings for rheumatoid arthritis can be implemented for specific age groups of women.
Data-driven policies can improve early detection and preventive care in high-risk populations.
The researchers noted that women who have their first child at an age identified as high-risk should be considered for rheumatoid arthritis screening and preventive strategies.
“Policymakers may consider focusing more on women in these AFB age ranges in screening rheumatoid arthritis and making preventive measures,” stated the study authors.
This recommendation is crucial for designing health policies that could enhance early detection and reduce the impact of rheumatoid arthritis among women.
Cui, H., et al. (2025). Association between age at first birth and risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women: Evidence from NHANES 2011–2020. PLOS ONE. https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0317443