Aims: To estimate the prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) in the New Zealand adult population.
Methods: 350 adults 18 years and over, random selected from the electoral roll, were sent a postal survey based on the UK Scleroderma Study Group questionnaire. Participants were classified as having RP if they had biphasic colour changes.
Results: There was a 67% response rate. The prevalence of RP was estimated to be 18.8% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 13.0%-27.1%) in females and 4.9% (95%CI 1.9%-13.0%) in males. The prevalence decreased with age. There was a higher prevalence in the warmer north of the country. People of Maori descent and in more manual occupations had more serve symptoms. Among those reporting symptoms 11% (95%CI 7%-17%) had consulted a doctor.
Conclusion: New Zealand has high rates of RP. Few people with RP consult medical practitioners about their symptoms.