Program Descriptions

California Arthritis Program

Burden

In 2003, more than 22% of adult Californians have doctor-diagnosed arthritis (5.5 million adults). While only 8% of Californians between the ages of 18–44 reported having arthritis, the prevalence increases to 29% for Californians who are between the ages of 45–64. The highest rates of arthritis are reported by Californians aged 65 years or older. More than half of the Californians older than 65 have arthritis (58%). Arthritis affects all race and ethnic groups. Black Californians are slightly more likely (30%) to have arthritis than white Californians (28%). The prevalence of arthritis among Hispanics is almost 15%. Lack of physical activity and obesity are risk factors for arthritis pain and functional limitation. More than 40% of people with arthritis do not get sufficient amounts of physical activity and an additional 18% report being inactive. Among adults with arthritis, almost 30% are obese and another 36% are overweight.

California Arthritis Network

The California Arthritis Network is comprised of nonprofit organizations, professionals, and community volunteers who are committed to raising the awareness of arthritis, improving the quality of life and preventing disability from arthritis. The network emphasizes the implementation of sustainable, evidence-based programs for people with arthritis.

Key Partners

• Arthritis Foundation, Northern California Chapter
• Arthritis Foundation, Northeastern California Chapter
• Arthritis Foundation, San Diego Chapter
• Arthritis Foundation, Southern California Chapter

Intervention and Partnership Highlights

Since 2003, the California Arthritis Partnership Program has focused on expanding access to the Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program and the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program among the Hispanic population.

• Initially offered only in Orange County, the Arthritis Self-Help Program is now available in Riverside County and Ventura County. In addition, the Arthritis Foundation, Southern California Chapter has collaborated with Arthritis Foundation Northern and Northeastern California Chapters to export the Spanish Arthritis Self-Help Course to Fresno and Santa Rosa.
• The Health Communications Campaign encouraging physical activity is being used by the Arthritis Foundation, Southern California and Northeastern California Chapters.
• In 2005, Californians with arthritis participated in 1,247 evidence based programs reaching 11,179 Californians with arthritis. While the majority of California’s programs are offered in English, 77 of these programs were offered in Spanish. Through these programs, 654 Californians with arthritis participated in the Arthritis Self-Help Program; 3,587 in the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, and 6,938 in the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program.

Program Documents

• California Arthritis Program Web site

Contact information

Jackie S. Tompkins, MPH, CHES
California Department of Public Health
California Arthritis Partnership Program
MS 7210
P.O. Box 997377
Sacramento, CA 95899-7377
Telephone: (916) 552-9993
Fax: (916) 552-9910
E-mail: jacqueline.tompkins@cdph.ca.gov

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