State Burden

Arthritis affects about 27% of adult Oregonians (about 721,000 people) in 2003. Older adults are more commonly affected by arthritis, but nearly 64% of Oregonians with diagnosed arthritis are under the age of 65. Although arthritis affects both sexes, women are more likely to have this condition than men. Among females, 31% have arthritis, compared to 23% of the male population. People with arthritis are more likely to be physically inactive than those without arthritis (17% versus 11%). In addition, 29% of adults with arthritis are obese, whereas among adults without arthritis, only 17% are obese. Those living with arthritis report a decreased quality of life. About 40% of those with doctor diagnosed arthritis report limiting their usual activities because of the condition, while 32% report that their work productivity is decreased by arthritis. Oregonians with arthritis are also more likely to report poorer health status (26%) compared to those without arthritis (11%).

Arthritis Coalition

The Arthritis Coalition in Oregon is a group of individuals representing a variety of organizations that carry out the public health message and work to increase both educational resources and community based programs statewide. The Coalition is made up of physicians, health care systems, senior organizations, community leaders, Foundation representatives, Physical and Occupational therapists, volunteers, and people with arthritis. The Coalition is committed to building and expanding the Living Well With Chronic Conditions (Stanford’s CDSMP) program and the Arthritis Foundation evidence-based intervention programs throughout Oregon.

Key Partners

• Arthritis Foundation, Pacific Northwest Chapter
• Psoriasis Foundation
• Senior and People with Disabilities
• Office of Rural Health
• NW Parish Nurse Ministries
• Oregon’ Primary Care Association

Intervention and Partnership Highlights

• There are currently 51 ongoing Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program classes statewide, and from 2005–2006, 59 new leaders have been trained through the partnership with the Arthritis Foundation, Pacific Northwest Chapter.
• There were 16 Chronic Disease Self-Management (CDSMP) classes taught over the past six months. In Oregon the CDSMP is called “Living Well With Chronic Conditions." In partnership with internal chronic disease programs and Seniors & People with Disabilities, Living Well classes are supported by; a Living Well with Chronic Conditions website, a listserv for all master trainers and leaders in Oregon, and trainers for new leaders are being held around the state.
• The Oregon Action Plan was completed in January 2006, and printed with the support of the Psoriasis Foundation.
• The Office of Rural Health is a key partner to assess the needs of rural sites where interventions can be successfully supported. Three of those sites (Hood River, Seaside, Lincoln City) have had successful leader trainings for the Arthritis Foundation Exercise and Aquatic programs.

Program Documents

• Oregon Arthritis Program Web site
• Oregon Burden Report [PDF–202KB]
• Oregon Arthritis Action Plan [PDF–967KB]

Contact Information

Luci Longoria, Acting Chronic Disease Manager
Health Promotion & Chronic Disease Prevention Section
Oregon Public Health Division
800 NE Oregon Street Suite 730
Portland OR 97232

Telephone: 971-673-1064
Fax: 971-673-0994
Email: luci.longoria@state.or.us