Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most frequent chronic inflammatory disease affecting approximately 1% of the white population, particularly females (3 times more often than males). Because of its articular and extra-articular manifestations and complications, such as cardiovascular disease, infections, and osteoporosis, RA has a considerable impact on a patient's quality of life, with mayor physical, psychological, and social consequences.

Significant differences in terms of quality of life, prognosis factors, progression of the disease, pain levels, and comorbidities have been found in different ethnic or socioeconomic groups. As a result, a poor prognosis and higher impact in minorities is observed. In addition, both ethnicity and geography are important factors influencing clinical presentation and course of disease.

Besides, many patients with RA report problems with treatment adherence. These appear to be more prevalent in ethnic minorities. Furthermore, it has been described that limited health literacy is a common finding in rheumatology clinics and it is predictive of disease severity.

We invite investigators to submit original research as well review articles that will support and contribute to understand the influence of socioeconomic, ethnic, genetic, and demographic factors on the course of the disease. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• What the minorities are in terms of RA definition
• The influence of the geographic factors on RA presentation
• Educational models for minorities with RA
• Clinimetric and self-assessment on the RA course and assessment in the underserved community
• Ethnic differences and genetic factors associated with RA
• Socioeconomic status and its association with RA
• Impact of literacy and education level on the course of RA
• Hygiene and hardscrabble hypothesis as an explanation of the RA presentation on minorities
• The implementation of technology and biotechnology in the treatment of RA patients with sociodemographic limitations
• Pharmacoeconomic studies in RA in minorities

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/arth/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/ according to the following timetable: