[Discussion on necessity of introduction of qualitative research into clinical research of traditional Chinese medicine].

Currently, the model of the research evaluation system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is set up through imitating that of western medicine. The application of quantitative research to TCM does promote the advance of modernization of TCM, which explore the part of TCM that can be measured in quantitative method. However, TCM has a background of profound philosophy and culture. The priority of TCM can not be expressed through quantitative research alone. On the contrary, qualitative research is more suitable to most research area of TCM. In TCM clinical research, the priority of TCM should be fully explored. It is very significant to set up the effectiveness evaluation system of TCM, especially by applying qualitative research to the diagnosis and the evaluation of treatment results and combining quantitative research.

[Study on the prevalence of arthritis and relevant factors in Shanghai].

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to understand the prevalence rate, epidemiological characteristics and relevant factors of arthritis in Shanghai. METHODS: A sample of 7 575 residents aged 15 years and above was drawn from 6 communities under multiple stage cluster sampling. A household survey with questionnaire was carried out to differentiate both undiagnosed patients and those with definite arthritis. Those who had not been diagnosed before were asked to carry further clinical examinations by a rheumatologist. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of arthritis was 6.11%, including osteoarthritis (OA) 4.18%, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) 0.52%, gout 0.28%, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) 0.28%, rheumatic arthritis 0.49% and other types arthritis 0.82%. Arthritis was significantly related to cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease and gastrointestinal disease. Age, female and obesity might serve as risk factors for arthritis. Physical labors and living in rural area might have protecting effects. CONCLUSION: Elderly and female seemed to be at high risk for arthritis. Weight control and more exercise should be encouraged to reduce the risks. For arthritis patients, treatment to other chronic diseases should not be ignored.