Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Prevalence of Patients With Arthritis and Severe Joint Pain and Who Received Provider Counseling About Physical Activity for Arthritis Among Adults Aged 18 Years or Older-United States, 2019.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the racial and ethnic differences in individuals with self-reported and doctor-diagnosed arthritis, severe joint pain, and provider counseling for physical activity among US adults with arthritis. METHODS: We estimated prevalence by race and ethnicity among 31,997 adults aged ≥18 years in the 2019 National Health Interview Survey. We used multiple logistic regression models to investigate associations between outcomes and race and ethnicity. RESULTS: Compared with non-Hispanic White adults (22.9%), we found a significantly higher age-adjusted prevalence of arthritis among American Indian/Alaska Native adults (30.3%). Among adults with arthritis, higher age-adjusted prevalence of severe joint pain among American Indian/Alaska Native (39.1%), non-Hispanic Black (36.4%), and Hispanic adults (35.7% vs 22.5% [White]) and higher provider counseling for physical activity among non-Hispanic Black adults (58.9% vs 52.1% [White]) were observed and could not be fully explained by differences in socioeconomic factors, body mass index, depression history, and comorbid conditions. Additional models also containing inability to pay medical bills and food insecurity did not explain racial and ethnic differences. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight a need for multilevel interventions to mitigate social and environmental barriers to physical activity and eliminate disparities in individuals with arthritis and severe joint pain.

Arthritis Prevalence Among Veterans - United States, 2017-2021.

Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition and a leading cause of chronic pain and disability. Because arthritis prevalence is higher among U.S. military veterans (veterans), and because the veteran population has become more sexually, racially, ethnically, and geographically diverse, updated arthritis prevalence estimates are needed. CDC analyzed pooled 2017-2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data to estimate the prevalence of diagnosed arthritis among veterans and nonveterans, stratified by sex and selected demographic characteristics. Approximately one third of veterans had diagnosed arthritis (unadjusted prevalence = 34.7% [men] and 31.9% [women]). Among men aged 18-44 years, arthritis prevalence among veterans was double that of nonveterans (prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.9-2.2), and among men aged 45-64 years, arthritis prevalence among veterans was 30% higher than that among nonveterans (PR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.3-1.4). Among women aged 18-44 years, arthritis prevalence among veterans was 60% higher than that among nonveterans (PR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.4-1.7); among women aged 45-64 years, arthritis prevalence among veterans was 20% higher than that among nonveterans (PR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.1-1.3). Cultivating partnerships with veteran-serving organizations to promote or deliver arthritis-appropriate interventions might be advantageous, especially for states where arthritis prevalence among veterans is highest. The high prevalence of arthritis among female veterans, veterans aged ≥65 years, and veterans with disabilities highlights the importance of ensuring equitable access and inclusion when offering arthritis-appropriate interventions.

Prevalence of Diagnosed Arthritis - United States, 2019-2021.

Arthritis includes approximately 100 conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a leading cause of activity limitations, disability, and chronic pain, and is associated with dispensed opioid prescriptions, substantially contributing to health care costs. Combined 2019-2021 National Health Interview Survey data were analyzed to update national prevalence estimates of self-reported diagnosed arthritis. An estimated 21.2% (18.7% age-standardized) of U.S. adults aged ≥18 years (53.2 million) had diagnosed arthritis during this time frame. Age-standardized arthritis prevalences were higher among women (20.9%) than men (16.3%), among veterans (24.2%) than nonveterans (18.5%), and among non-Hispanic White (20.1%) than among Hispanic or Latino (14.7%) or non-Hispanic Asian adults (10.3%). Adults aged ≥45 years represent 88.3% of all U.S. adults with arthritis. Unadjusted arthritis prevalence was high among adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (57.6%), dementia (55.9%), a disability (54.8%), stroke (52.6%), heart disease (51.5%), diabetes (43.1%), or cancer (43.1%). Approximately one half of adults aged ≥65 years with COPD, dementia, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, or cancer also had a diagnosis of arthritis. These prevalence estimates can be used to guide public health policies and activities to increase equitable access to physical activity opportunities within the built environment and other arthritis-appropriate, evidence-based interventions.

Arthritis Among Children and Adolescents Aged <18 Years - United States, 2017-2021.

Arthritis affects persons of all ages, including younger adults, adolescents, and children; however, recent arthritis prevalence estimates among children and adolescents aged <18 years are not available. Previous prevalence estimates among U.S. children and adolescents aged <18 years ranged from 21 to 403 per 100,000 population depending upon the case definition used. CDC analyzed aggregated 2017-2021 National Survey of Children's Health data to estimate the national prevalence of parent-reported arthritis diagnosed among children and adolescents aged <18 years. An estimated 220,000 (95% CI = 187,000-260,000) U.S. children and adolescents aged <18 years (305 per 100,000) had diagnosed arthritis. Arthritis prevalence among non-Hispanic Black or African American children and adolescents was twice that of non-Hispanic White children and adolescents. Co-occurring conditions, including depression, anxiety, overweight, physical inactivity, and food insecurity were associated with higher prevalences of arthritis. These findings highlight that children and adolescents should be prioritized for arthritis prevention and treatments by identifying risk factors for arthritis, developing self-management interventions to improve arthritis, physical activity or weight control, and screening and linking to mental health services. Health systems and payors can take steps to ensure equitable access to therapies (e.g., physical therapies and medications).

Prevalence and Characteristics of Arthritis Among Caregivers - 17 States, 2017 and 2019.

Caregiving provides numerous benefits to both caregivers and care recipients; however, it can also negatively affect caregivers' mental and physical health (1-4), and caregiving tasks often require physical exertion (1). Approximately 44% of adults with arthritis report limitations attributable to arthritis, including trouble doing daily activities (5). These limitations might affect caregivers' ability to provide care, but little is known about arthritis among caregivers. To assess arthritis among caregivers of a family member or friend, CDC examined data from 17 states that administered both the arthritis and caregiving modules as part of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in either 2017 or 2019. Approximately one in five adults (20.6%) was a caregiver. Prevalence of arthritis was higher among caregivers (35.1%) than noncaregivers (24.5%). Compared with caregivers without arthritis, those with arthritis provided similar types of care and were more likely to have provided care for ≥5 years and for ≥40 hours per week. In addition, higher proportions of caregivers with arthritis reported disabilities compared with those without arthritis, including mobility issues (38.0% versus 7.3%). Arthritis among caregivers might affect their own health as well as the care they can provide. Caregivers can discuss their arthritis and related limitations with a health care professional to identify ways to increase their physical activity and participation in lifestyle management programs.* Such interventions might ease arthritis pain and related limitations and might support them in their ongoing caregiving role. Public health professionals can implement strategies to support caregivers throughout the caregiving process.†.

Community perceptions of black infant mortality: a qualitative inquiry.

Infant mortality is a key public health concern in the United States. Although infant mortality rates (IMRs) have declined, the rates among blacks are more than twice those of other racial/ethnic groups. Some Florida counties have black IMR more than four times the white IMR. The purpose of this study was to explore community awareness and perceptions of the rising Black IMR in Gadsden County, Florida. Sixty-four black men and women participated in eight focus groups. Data were transcribed then analyzed using NVivo 8. Many of the respondents discussed issues dealing with access to health care services, trust in providers, and perceived differential treatment. Inequities in health care may contribute to a culture in which blacks are resistant to seek care thus resulting in poorer outcomes. Overall, participants identified awareness and education as the most effective ways to address the higher rates of infant mortality among Blacks.

Community-based internships to address environmental issues: a model for effective partnerships.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that environmental burdens tend to be inequitably borne by poor and minority populations. Statistics indicate that these populations suffer disproportionately from adverse health effects associated with polluting facilities in their community. To address these problems, public health officials and researchers should pay close attention to the experiences of individuals in local communities. METHODS: The aims of the Community-Based Internship Program were to (1) provide a graduate internship that gives students the opportunity to utilize their didactic skills in a community-based setting on important environmental issues and (2) educate and empower the community with the tools needed to address their environmental concerns and protect their health. Graduate students from various disciplines participated in a 12-week internship program that involved community-based organizations (CBOs) working on environmental health and justice issues. RESULTS: A total of 22 graduate interns were given projects that assisted the CBOs in creating environmental health awareness and educating communities about environmental issues. Each internship represented a unique partnership between a university, an environmental law firm, and CBOs. This equitable partnership fostered co-learning and capacity building among all partners. CONCLUSION: The opportunity to collaborate as partners on a community-based initiative resulted in benefits for all partners. The graduate internship program was implemented effectively because of each partner's contribution and dedication to the success of the program. It is hoped that the lessons learned from this program can assist others with the development of similar partnerships that benefit underserved communities.