Epidemiological mapping of rheumatology specialists in Argentina

Autores: Emilce Edith Schneeberger, Gustavo Citera, José Luis Velasco Zamora, María de los Ángeles Correa, Fabiana Montoya, Marcelo Audisio, Gabriela Sánchez, Paula Alba, Ignacio Chavero, Raúl Sueldo, Rodrigo Blas, Pablo Finucci, Federico Paniego, José Adolfo Sánchez, Juan Ángel Flores, Gustavo Casado, Guillermo Berbotto

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Introduction: Understanding the epidemiological distribution of rheumatologists in our country could help us evaluate access to healthcare and ensure equitable, high-quality care for the population.

Objective: To estimate the number of rheumatologists in Argentina, determine their sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, and describe their distribution throughout the country.

Methods: Cross-sectional study. Rheumatologists of the Sociedad Argentina de Reumatología (SAR) treating adult patients that were professional active were included until December 2023. Exclusion criteria were: deceased, retired, emigrated, and pediatricians. The following variables were recorded: age, sex, affiliated department and province, years of specialization, and place of work (public or private). The density of rheumatologists per province and the number of rheumatologists per 100,000 inhabitants were calculated.

Results: Eight hundred and ninety-six rheumatologists practiced in Argentina, with a median age of 48 years (IQR 41-57). There were 552 women (61.6%), with a female-to-male ratio of 1.6:1. The average length of time as a specialist was 17.2 years ±11.7. The 3.2% practiced exclusively in the public system, the 56.6% in the private sector, and the 40.2% in both. The frequency of rheumatologists by affiliated department was: ARCBA 263 (29%), ARPBA 230 (26%), Santa Fe 91 (10.1%), Córdoba 88 (10%), Tucumán 49 (5.4%), Cuyo 47 (5.2%), ARNEA 42 (4.6%), Sur 37 (4.1%), Saltojujeña 31 (3.4%), and CATSELAR 18 (2%). The density of rheumatologists in Argentina was 0.032/1000 km², ranging from 129 rheumatologists/100 km² in the City of Buenos Aires (CABA) to 0.0016 rheumatologists/100 km² in Santa Cruz. The ratio of rheumatologists per 100,000 inhabitants was 2.83 nationwide, varying from 11.5 in CABA to 0.73 in Misiones.

Conclusion: While Argentina has a significant number of rheumatologists, their distribution is uneven. This data highlights the need to implement health policies in regions with the greatest shortage of rheumatology specialists.