Almost half of Chinese over the age of 40 suffer from osteoarthritis, which is caused by bone and cartilage damage around the joints which can be the result of old age and injuries, according to a recent survey.

The survey of 6,000 Chinese over 40 in six regions show the disease was equally prevalent in urban and rural areas, said Xue Qingyun, director of a research institute under the Health Ministry.

The survey conducted for this year's International Osteoporosis Conference found 46.3 percent of people in the age group suffered from the condition, 50.4 percent of them women and 41.6 percent men.

Chinese aged between 60 to 69 have the highest rates of osteoarthritis, most of which was diagnosed in the lumbar area, the survey said.

Meanwhile a survey by Chinese Medical Association showed 11 percent Chinese over the age of 20 have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, which causes a lessening of bone density.

(Xinhua News Agency October 22, 2007)