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
Back to Program Descriptions