The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #52307

Randy Tanner, MPA¹, Richard C. Bullough, PhD¹, Michael D. Fredrichs, MSS², and Ladene Larsen, RN³. (1) Utah Arthritis Program, Utah Department of Health, PO Box 142107, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2107, (2) Bureau of Health Promotion, Utah Department of Health, PO Box 142107, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2107, (3) Utah Department of Health, Bureau of Health Promotion, PO Box 142107, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2107, 801-538-6141, rtanner@utah.gov

Much remains to be learned about factors affecting people with arthritis. The BRFSS Arthritis and Health Related Quality of Life modules are valuable, but cannot provide all the information needed. To gain additional information the Utah Arthritis Program designed the first BRFSS arthritis follow-up survey. The survey included 24 questions about conventional medical care, arthritis management techniques, and other factors.

Methods: 871 individuals with arthritis met the criteria for the follow-up survey. Of these 718 completed the survey (59% were female and 41% were male). By age, 16% were 18-34, 30% were 35-49, 30% were between 50-65 and 23% were 65 and older.

Results were weighted using the 2000 Utah population and were analyzed using SAS and SUDAAN software. The arthritis definition recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was used to measure arthritis prevalence and to screen those who completed the survey.

Results: Most respondents receive arthritis care from a primary care provider (General Practitioner 26%, Family Practitioner 22%, Internist 15%, Other 14%). 86% of participants reported physicians recommended exercise for managing their arthritis and 76% indicated they had used exercise to manage their arthritis during the past 12 months. Prescription medications (74%) were the second most frequently reported physician recommendation. Many reported their doctor recommended weight loss (41%) or diet (41%) to manage their arthritis. 33.9% of respondents reported being overweight and 29.4% were obese. Nearly half (49.7%) of respondents reported they received information about arthritis from their doctor.

Learning Objectives:

• After this session, participants will realize much remains to be learned about factors affecting people with arthritis and that additional survey tools are needed to assess conventional medical care and arthritis management techniques for persons with arthritis.

Keywords: Arthritis, Behavioral Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.