The prevalence of Behçet's disease in the north of Jordan: a hospital-based epidemiological survey.

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of Behçet's disease (BD) in Jordan, with the additional aim of comparing this prevalence among hospital workers in other geographical areas.

Methods: In the first stage of our survey, 2,569 employees from 6 hospitals in north Jordan were interviewed using a screening questionnaire to identify individuals with recurrent oral ulcers (ROU), a previous diagnosis of BD (PDBD) and/or any major symptom related to BD. In the second stage, all individuals with ROU or PDBD identified at stage 1, were examined by 2 rheumatologists for the presence/confirmation of BD according to the International Study Group (ISG) criteria.