Sustained exposure to low- and high-income status and risk of all-cause mortality in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis: a population-based retrospective cohort study from 2010 to 2020
Authors' conclusion
Persistent low-income status increases mortality risk among younger patients with RA, a group often overlooked by policy interventions.
Study context
- Population
- Korean adults aged ≥40 years newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) between 2010 and 2017, followed through 31 December 2020
- Participants
- 50,600 adults
- Exposure
- Cumulative years in low- or high-income status over the 5 years preceding RA diagnosis
- Outcome
- All-cause mortality
Methodological detailspopulation-based, nationally representative, Cox proportional hazards models, stratified analysis
- Population-based
- Nationally representative
- Cox proportional hazards models
- Stratified analysis
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
All-cause mortality, by age group
Adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI)
5-year high-income exposure, age <65 years
0.50(0.38–0.64)
5-year high-income exposure, age ≥65 years
0.74(0.62–0.88)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Effect modification by rural residence
- Rural residence further amplified the adverse effects of prolonged low-income exposure
Original publication
Sustained exposure to low- and high-income status and risk of all-cause mortality in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis: a population-based retrospective cohort study from 2010 to 2020. RMD Open. Published 2 April 2026. doi:10.
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