Advancing Arthritis Public Health Priorities through National Organizations

Description

The CDC Arthritis Program is announcing a new, FY21 non-research NOFO designed to improve health and quality of life for people with arthritis. Arthritis is an oft overlooked, leading contributor to chronic disease burden and a top cause of morbidity, work limitations, and reduced quality of life. More than 54 million US adults1 have arthritis, half of whom are working age2; and 78 million are projected to have it by 20403. Arthritis is significant, not only because it limits physical function and quality of life, but because it commonly co-occurs with other chronic conditions that are leading causes of death, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, and can interfere with management of these conditions through its effects on limiting physical activity (PA)2. People with arthritis face barriers to PA such as fear of worsening arthritis pain and progression2. However, arthritis and its limitations can be managed effectively, and symptoms improved through routine PA and participation in self-management education (SME) programs2. Low-cost, arthritis-appropriate, evidence-based interventions (AAEBIs) shown to decrease arthritis pain and/or disability and improve quality of life are available in geographic pockets across the US but are still underused by people who can benefit from them2. Lack of awareness about AAEBIs, their benefits, and how to access them remain a challenge and a barrier to participation in these programs. More AAEBI offerings are needed, with greater geographic dispersion; and greater awareness to increase participation in them. This NOFO will leverage and expand existing systems, technologies and networks with national reach and/or access into large segments of the adult population to sustainably increase awareness and availability of and participation in AAEBIs. It will also support technical assistance to state health departments and provision of arthritis-specific consumer health information to the public. Further, it will facilitate collaborative action to address osteoarthritis (OA) and address health equity and social determinants affecting AAEBI awareness and access and adoption of effective self-management behaviors. Lastly, it will support development of a national strategy targeted at healthcare providers to complement pharmacological treatments by specifically emphasizing adjunct self-management and physical activity approaches. The NOFO goals are to enhance the health, wellness, and quality of life of adults with arthritis and improve arthritis management and health outcomes. References: Barbour KE, Helmick CG, Boring M, Brady TJ. Prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis and arthritis-attributable activity limitation—United States, 2013-2015. MMWR 2017;66(9):246-253. Barbour, K. E., Helmick, C. G., Boring, M., & Brady, T. J. (2017). Vital signs: prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis and arthritis-attributable activity limitation—United States, 2013–2015. MMWR 2017;66(9):246. Hootman JM, Helmick CG, Barbour KE, Theis KA, Boring MA. Updated projected prevalence of self-reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis and arthritis-attributable activity limitation among US adults, 2015-2040. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2016;68(7):1582-7.

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