Program Descriptions

Missouri Arthritis Program

State Burden

In 2009, more than 1.3 million Missourians 18 years of age or older self-reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis (31%). Arthritis prevalence in Missouri varied by gender and age. Females reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis more often compared with males (35% versus 26%). Arthritis prevalence statistically increased with age between the age categories of 18-44, 45-64, and 65-74 years old; however, there was no statistical difference in the prevalence of arthritis between the age categories of 64-74 and 75+ years old. Approximately 1 in 8 adults 18–44 years of age reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis (13%) compared to 1 in 2 adults 65-74 years of age (54%). (Source: Data from 2009 BRFSS)

Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States. In 2009, arthritis burden and impact on Missourians were clear. Among respondents reporting doctor-diagnosed arthritis, 44% reported having activity limitations due to their arthritis. Among respondents between the ages of 18 and 64 years old reporting doctor-diagnosed arthritis, 35% reported having some work limitations due to their arthritis. Of respondents who self-reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis, 16% reported having social participation restrictions due to their arthritis. (Source: Data from 2009 BRFSS)

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 26 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, A.T. Still University, Saint Luke’s Hospital, University of Missouri—Columbia, Arthritis Foundation Eastern MO Chapter, St. John’s Health System, St. Francis Hospital)
Arthritis Foundation, Heartland Region
Area Agencies on Aging/Senior Centers
University of Missouri Extension
Missouri Heart Disease and Stroke Program/Local Public Health Agencies
Missouri WISEWOMAN Program
Missouri Primary Care Association/federally qualified health centers

Intervention and Partnership Highlights

During fiscal year 2009, the Missouri Arthritis & Osteoporosis Program reached almost 6,000 participants through the evidence-based programs and 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.
Expansion of the partnership infrastructure state-wide to include Area Agencies on Aging, University of Missouri Extension, local public health agencies and federally qualified health centers.
Enhancement of media relations to include not only the CDC campaign, but additionally campaigns around promotion of the evidence-based programs in Missouri. MAOP has added a toll free line as well as a new website to promote the Regional Arthritis Centers www.moarthritis.org and a Facebook page.

Program Documents

Contact Information

Beth Richards
Arthritis Program Director
Missouri Arthritis & Osteoporosis Program
University of Missouri-Columbia
School of Health Professions
1205 University Avenue, Suite 1100
Columbia, Missouri 65211

Telephone: (573) 884-1220
Fax: (573) 884-5412
E-mail: Richardsjo@missouri.edu

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