Arthritis - State Programs - Descriptions

State Burden

In 2003, over 1.28 million Missourians 18 years of age and older self-reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis (30.1%). Arthritis prevalence in Missouri varied by gender and age. Females were more likely to report doctor-diagnosed arthritis compared to males (34.2% versus 25.6%). Arthritis prevalence statistically increased with each age category. The age categories were people aged 18–24, 25–34, 35–44, 45–54, 55–64, and 65+. Approximately, 1 in 16 adults 18–24 years of age reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis (6.4%) compared to 1 in 2 adults 65+ years of age (57.8%). (Source: Data from 2003 BRFSS)

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. In 2003, the effects of arthritis could be seen on Missourians. Among respondents reporting doctor-diagnosed arthritis, 41% reported being limited in some way in any of their usual activities because of arthritis. Among respondents younger than 65 years of age reporting doctor-diagnosed arthritis, 42% reported their arthritis affected whether they worked, the type of work they did, or the amount of work they could do. Of respondents who self-reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis, almost three quarters reported being able to do most things or everything they would like to do. Unfortunately, this leaves about a quarter of the respondents who could only do some or hardly any of the things they would like to do.

Missouri Arthritis Advisory Board (MAAB)

The MAAB is represented by a strong advisory group of volunteers who commit their own organizations or partners with others to assist the program and Regional Arthritis Centers in expanding evidence-based course offerings and advocating for the issues around arthritis in Missouri. MAAB members are made up of researchers in the area of arthritis, rheumatologists, nurses, physical therapists, persons with arthritis, and other community leaders. The MAAB stands behind the 21 years of the Missouri Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program and is committed to the persons served through its programs.

Key Partners

Seven hosting institutions housing the Regional Arthritis Centers (Heartland Health, AT Still University, Saint Luke’s Hospital, University of Missouri—Columbia, Arthritis Foundation Eastern MO Chapter, St. John’s Health System, St. Francis Hospital)
Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (MARRTC)
Arthritis Foundation, Eastern and Western Missouri Chapters
Senior Centers and Area Agencies on Aging
YMCA’s and other activity centers

Intervention and Partnership Highlights

During fiscal year 2005, the Missouri Arthritis & Osteoporosis Program reached 323 Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program participants, 143 Chronic Disease Self Management Program participants, 8,267 Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program participants, and 5,139 Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program participants through

Effective partnerships with the seven Regional Arthritis Center (RAC) contractors and their hosting institutions. Each RAC works with their respective regional and community partners to provide the evidence-based course offerings. The RAC coordinators of each center recruit and support course leaders. Leader retreats are held bi-annually in each of the seven regions to update, motivate, and reward the leader volunteers, and to encourage consistency and commitment to the evidence-based course offerings.
Collaborating with the Arthritis Foundation Chapters in Missouri to ensure consistent course leader trainings and instruction, as well as sharing of database REACH information. The National AF office provides the state arthritis program (MAOP) with the AF Eastern MO Chapter (also serving as the Eastern MO Regional Arthritis Center) REACH data by “data dumping” necessary numbers from Team Approach into the state arthritis database on a monthly basis. The AF Western MO Chapter is considering sharing the same information so a statewide REACH report can be developed.
Disseminating course offering information through media outlets displayed by the Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (MARRTC), which is partially housed in the School of Journalism, University of Missouri – Columbia. MARRTC also maintains the RAC webpages that contain course offering location, times and contact information.

Program Documents

Contact Information

Beth Richards, CTRS, Program Manager
Missouri Arthritis & Osteoporosis Program
Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services
920 Wildwood Drive
Jefferson City, Missouri 65102
Telephone: (573) 522-2879
Fax: (573) 522-2898
E-mail: Beth.Richards@dhss.mo.gov

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