A controlled home interview study of factors associated with early rheumatoid arthritis.

Studies of environmental and social-psychologic factors in rheumatoid arthritis or RA have been performed to a limited extent compared to clinical and laboratory investigations. Since the etiology of RA is unknown it is important to explore host-related factors which might contribute to the onset or pathogenesis of this disease. Therefore, we have collected data during a home interview from newly diagnosed RA patients and matched normal controls relating to the following variables: housing, socioeconomic status, earning ability, nutrition and psycho-social characteristics.