State Burden
In Tennessee, in 2003, arthritis affected nearly one of three
adults (1.5 million adults have arthritis). Tennessee’s arthritis
program works statewide with partners to understand the burden of
arthritis, to increase arthritis awareness, and implement programs,
policies, and systems that will effect change.
Consistent with national patterns, groups in Tennessee most at risk
for arthritis are women, senior citizens, and individuals with low-income
or low-education levels. The prevalence arthritis increases from 17.8%
among residents aged 18–44 years to 41.42% in persons aged 45–64
years. The over 65
age group reported the highest levels, a dramatic 56.3%. Arthritis
affects all race and ethnic groups with no significant variations of
prevalence. However, whites (32.4%) are more likely to have arthritis
than blacks (27.6%). Though arthritis affects both sexes, as is
nationally, women are more likely to have this condition. Among females,
35.2% have arthritis, compared with 27.6% of the male population.
Arthritis Coalition and Partners
A primary facilitator of program success is the relationship between
the state’s arthritis program and the Arthritis Foundation—Tennessee
Chapter. Establishing new and maintaining existing partnerships are a
main concern of the Tennessee Arthritis Advisory Council. The Advisory
Council is a 19 member professional structure serving as the guide for
all statewide collaborations. Partnerships exist with Alpha Omicron Pi,
Easter Seals (Turner Family Center), University of Tennessee, Belmont
University, and Vanderbilt University and Medical Center.
Intervention Highlights
During 2005, the Tennessee Arthritis Program reached 560 Arthritis
Foundation Self-Help Program participants, 20,987 Arthritis Foundation
Exercise Program participants, and 98,139 Arthritis Foundation Aquatic
Program participants by
- Effectively partnering with the Arthritis Foundation Tennessee
Chapter and the University of Tennessee Extension Services. This
partnership has led to statewide expansion of the Arthritis
Foundation Self-Help Program and the Arthritis Foundation Exercise
Program. The University of Tennessee expanded the capacity of
extension agents assigned to all 95 counties of the state by
training them as Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program leaders and
Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program leaders. Additionally, to
offer financial support and incentives to participants, the
instructors have access to discretionary funds for purchasing the
Arthritis Helpbook that accompanies the Arthritis Self-Help Program
training.
- Working with Belmont University. Occupational (OT) and Physical
Therapy (PT) students at Belmont University are required to perform
community service work and are recruited annually to train as Arthritis
Foundation Exercise Program and Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program
course leaders. Participants for student’s intervention offerings are
recruited through Belmont’s Alumni Association and by the Arthritis
Foundation Tennessee Chapter.
- Collaborating with EasterSeals. EasterSeals offers the Turner Family
Center facilities in middle Tennessee for hosting instructor trainings
and for offering on-going classes for the Arthritis Foundation Exercise
Program, the Arthritis Self-Help Program, and the Arthritis Foundation
Aquatic Program.
- Partnering with Alpha Omicron Pi. A pool of statewide volunteers has
been coordinated to promote Arthritis Foundation evidence-based
intervention programs. Alpha Omicron Pi recruits leaders and provides
website links to the Tennessee Department of Health and the Arthritis
Foundation Tennessee Chapter to increase access to arthritis
information, programs, and course schedules.
Contact Information
Michael Gregory, MS, Director
Arthritis Program
Tennessee Department of Health
425 5th Avenue, North
6th Floor, Cordell Hull Building
Nashville, Tennessee 37243
Telephone: (615) 741-4007
Fax: (615) 532-8478
E-mail:
michael.gregory@state.tn.us
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