Program Descriptions

Rhode Island Arthritis Program

Arthritis Burden in Rhode Island

More than a quarter (27% or approximately 218,000 people) of adults in Rhode Island report they have arthritis that has been diagnosed by a physician according to the 2011 Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance Survey. The prevalence of arthritis increases with age in Rhode Island from 10% of adults the ages 18 - 44 years, 33% of adults aged 45- 64 years, and 52% of adults aged 65 years or over. Of those with doctor-diagnosed arthritis, 51% have limitations in their daily activities due to arthritis, 31% report severe joint pain and among those adults aged 18 - 64 years, 38% report some work limitation due to their arthritis.

In Rhode Island, arthritis is a common contributor to multiple chronic conditions:

• 49% (34,000) adults with diabetes also have arthritis.
• 60% (31,000) adults with heart disease also have arthritis.
• 44% (118,000) adults with high blood pressure also have arthritis.
• 41% (109,000) adults with high cholesterol also have arthritis.

Data Source: 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS).

Planned Partnerships

• Arthritis Foundation of Rhode Island
• YMCA of Greater Providence
• Department of Elderly Affairs, the Disability and Resource Center
• Veteran’s Administration
• The Chronic Conditions Workforce Collaborative

Proposed Interventions

• Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program
• Chronic Disease Self-Management Program
• Tomando Control de Salud (Spanish CDSMP)
• Walk With Ease (Group)

Contact Information
Dona Goldman
Arthritis Program
Rhode Island Department of Health
3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908
Telephone: (401) 222-6957
Fax: (401) 222-4415
E-mail: Dona.Goldman@Health.ri.gov

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