Abstract

"Background: Mapuche, Chilean natives, represent approximately 9.8% of Chilean population and in the IX region of the country, they account for 18.4% of population over 15 years old. They preserve some socio-cultural characteristics that make them different to the rest of the population. Aim: To describe the epidemiological characteristics rheumatoid arthritis among Mapuche natives. Subjects and methods: Retrospective review of patients of Mapuche origin with rheumatoid arthritis, seen at Temuco Hospital between 1980 and 1996. Results: Among 308 cases gathered, only 106 (93 women, aged 55