[Study on the associated risk factors of rheumatic pain: a ILAR-China, WHO COPCORD Shantou study].

Objective: To validate the difference on the prevalence of rheumatic symptoms between north and south parts of the country and to study the associated risk factors of rheumatic complaints in Shantou city, China.

Methods: A total number of 10 638 people at above 16 years of age from four samples, were surveyed in 1987, 1992, 1995, and 1999. Protocol of International League Against Rheumatism (ILAR)-China collaborative study or WHO-ILAR community oriented program for control of rheumatic disease(COPCORD) core questionnaire was implemented.