State Burden
In 2003, 2.4 million persons in Michigan aged 18 years or older, nearly
one-third of the adult population, reported that they had been told by a
doctor that they had arthritis.
Over one-third (36.4%) of those with arthritis—approximately
875,000 individuals—reported that their usual activities were limited
because of their arthritis or joint symptoms. Exactly one-third (33.3%)
of those with arthritis who were 18 to 64 years of age said that their
arthritis affected their work (for pay).
The prevalence of arthritis increased with age: nearly 47 percent of
persons 45 to 64 years of age reported this disease, while 63 percent of
all persons 65 years of age or older reported it. Adult females were at
higher risk of arthritis than males (35% vs. 29%), but arthritis
prevalence did not differ significantly among white, non-Hispanic
adults; black non-Hispanic adults; or Hispanic adults. Adults with
greater than a high school education were less likely to report
arthritis than those with less education. Adults who were obese or
physically inactive had substantially higher rates of arthritis (43.2%
and 43.6%, respectively) than the general adult population (32.3%).
Michigan Arthritis Collaborative Partnership
The Michigan Arthritis Collaborative Partnership (MACP) is a diverse,
statewide alliance of arthritis stakeholders representing public and
private organizations who work together to implement key elements of the
Michigan Arthritis Action Plan. The MACP promotes and supports:
evidence-based programs for people affected by arthritis; professional
education surrounding arthritis care; surveillance to understand the
health and economic burden of arthritis in Michigan; and awareness that
arthritis is a leading cause of disability in Michigan. MACP members
represent the following organizations: the Michigan Office on Services
to the Aging, academic institutions, local and state departments of
public health, Arthritis Foundation Michigan Chapter, Michigan
Department of Education, Michigan Center for Rural Health, Area Agencies
on Aging and the Governor’s Council of Physical Fitness. Also,
importantly, the MACP membership includes people who have arthritis.
Key Partners
- Arthritis Foundation Michigan Chapter
- Michigan Department of Community Health
- University of Michigan
- Michigan Office on Services to the Aging
- Michigan State University Extension
Intervention and Partnership Highlights
During 2005, the Michigan Arthritis Program reached 177 Arthritis
Foundation Self-Help Program participants, 745 Arthritis Foundation
Exercise Program participants and 4,778 Arthritis Foundation Aquatic
Program participants.
The Michigan Arthritis Program is working with current and new partners
to expand reach and awareness of evidence-based programs for people with
arthritis by
- Continuing to facilitate partnerships to enhance the reach of
the Arthritis Foundation Michigan Chapter programs.
- Actively participating in the Michigan Partners on the PATH
statewide committee to strategically implement chronic disease
self-management programs – partners include: Michigan State University
Extension, Michigan Department of Community Health, Michigan Office of
Services to the Aging, Area Agencies on Aging, Health Alliance Plan and
Medical Network One.
- Exploring and nurturing partnerships with organizations such as
YMCAs, senior centers, community education programs, parks and
recreation programs and other state chronic disease programs to
facilitate implementation of the exercise program EnhanceFitness.
- Establishing an intervention subcommittee of the Michigan Arthritis
Collaborative Partnership to evaluate opportunities for effective
implementation and integration of arthritis evidence-based programs into
current regional and/or statewide systems.
Program Documents
Contact Information
Steve Springer
Arthritis Program Coordinator
Michigan Department of Community Health
Diabetes and other Chronic Diseases Division
P.O. Box 30195
Lansing, Michigan 48909
Telephone: (517) 335-8402
Fax: (517) 335-9461
E-mail: springers@michigan.gov
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Michigan