Objective: To carry out a cross-sectional survey on prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and gout. Methods: Four communities comprising 7 603 inhabitants over 15 years of age in an urban population were randomly selected from 13 communities in Shanghai. Interviews were conducted from September 1997 to March 1998 by trained physicians using the COPCORD Core Questionnaire. Physical and radiographic examinations and serologic tests were carried out when required to classify categories of rheumatic diseases. The diagnosis of RA, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and gout were based on American Rheumatism Association criteria. The diagnosis of AS strictly followed the modified New York criteria of 1984. Crude prevalence rates were standardized according to a standard Chinese population for age and sex structure. Results: A total of 6 584 adults (3 394 women, 3 190 men) were interviewed, and response rate was 86. 6%. The age and sex standardized pre Objective: To carry out a cross-sectional survey on prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and gout. Methods: Four plots containing 7 603 inhabitants over 15 years of age in an urban population were randomly selected selected from 13 communities in Shanghai. Interviews were conducted from September 1997 to March 1998 by trained physicians using the COPCORD Core Questionnaire. Physical and radiographic examinations and serologic tests were carried out when required to classify categories of rheumatic diseases. The diagnosis of RA, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and gout were based on American Rheumatism Association criteria. The diagnosis of AS strictly followed the modified New York criteria of 1984. Crude prevalence rates were standardized according to a standard Chinese population for age and sex structure. Results: A total of 6 584 adults (3 394 women, 3 190 men) were interviewed, and response rate was 86. 6%. The age and se x standardized pre