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State Burden
Arthritis affects about 22.3% or 365,000 adult Utahans. Consistent
with national patterns, groups in Utah most at risk for arthritis are
women, senior citizens and individuals with low-income or low-education
levels. Self-reported arthritis ranges from 7.3 percent among
persons aged 18 to 34 years of age to 57.2 percent among those aged 65
years and older. Those with
arthritis were almost four times as likely to report seven or more days
of poor physical health in the past month, and 1.6 times as likely to
report seven or more days of poor mental health in the past month than
those without arthritis. Over half (53.8%) of those with arthritis were
overweight or obese. 25.6% of Utah adults with arthritis were physically
inactive, compared to 15.9% of adults without arthritis. 35.9% of Utah
adults with arthritis also reported they are limited in their usual
activities. The prevalence of arthritis in the Hispanic population is
16.8%. Hispanics report more negative health consequences due to their
arthritis than do non-Hispanic whites. They were twice as likely to
report pain limited their activities and were twice as likely to be
inactive.
Utah Arthritis Advisory Council (UAAC)
The UAAC is a group committed to improving the lives of persons
affected by arthritis. The UAAC is made up of persons with arthritis,
physical therapists, rheumatologists, health clinic staff, ethnic
minority representation, Salt Lake City Aging Services Senior Center
staff, Utah Department of Health Arthritis Program staff, and Arthritis
Foundation staff. The UAAC is committed to improving the REACH of the
Arthritis Foundation evidence-based intervention programs. The UAAC also
assists with developing a state plan designed to involve many partners.
Key Partners
- Arthritis Foundation Utah/Idaho Chapter
- Utah Senior Centers/Aging Services
- Southwest Utah Public Health Department
- The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital (TOSH)
- Comunadidas Unidas
Intervention and Partnership Highlights
During 2005, the Utah Arthritis Program increased the REACH of the
Arthritis Foundation Evidence Based Programs, specifically the Arthritis
Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP), Arthritis Foundation Aquatics
Program (AFAP) and Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program (AFSHP) by
Fourth quarter data from 2005 indicate the AFAP has reached 508
individuals, the AFEP has reached 53 individuals and the AFSHP has
reached 69 individuals. Complete 2005 REACH data is not available at
this time.
- Partnering with the Arthritis Foundation Utah/ Idaho Chapter to
expand the AFEP, AFAP and AFSMP statewide. The partnership enabled
yearly leader trainings in all three programs.
- Partnering with The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital (TOSH). The UAP
and TOSH have partnered to offer courses to people with arthritis. These
courses provide basic information from doctors, physical therapists,
nutritionists and arthritis resource specialists. It also serves as a
catalyst to promote evidence-based programs.
- Partnering with the Salt Lake Senior Centers. The UAP has
partnered with Salt Lake and Southwestern Utah Senior centers to
offer the AFAP and AFEP. The programs are ideal for the populations
in these organizations. The centers are where many seniors convene;
this allows us to bring the programs to the people.
- Partnering with the Southwest Utah Public Health Department—The
SWUPHD has helped increase awareness of evidence based programs and
has coordinated efforts surrounding recruitment. They have provided
us with critical knowledge and contacts within St. George, Utah.
Program Documents
Contact Information
Nicole Bissonette, MPH, CHES
Program Director
Utah Arthritis Program
PO Box 142107
SLC, UT 84114-2107
Telephone: 801.538.9458
Fax: 801.538.9495
E-mail: nicolebissonette@utah.gov
Back to Program Descriptions
Utah