State Burden

Arthritis affects about 22.3% or 365,000 adult Utahans. Consistent with national patterns, groups in Utah most at risk for arthritis are women, senior citizens and individuals with low-income or low-education levels. Self-reported arthritis ranges from 7.3 percent among persons aged 18 to 34 years of age to 57.2 percent among those aged 65 years and older. Those with arthritis were almost four times as likely to report seven or more days of poor physical health in the past month, and 1.6 times as likely to report seven or more days of poor mental health in the past month than those without arthritis. Over half (53.8%) of those with arthritis were overweight or obese. 25.6% of Utah adults with arthritis were physically inactive, compared to 15.9% of adults without arthritis. 35.9% of Utah adults with arthritis also reported they are limited in their usual activities. The prevalence of arthritis in the Hispanic population is 16.8%. Hispanics report more negative health consequences due to their arthritis than do non-Hispanic whites. They were twice as likely to report pain limited their activities and were twice as likely to be inactive.

Utah Arthritis Advisory Council (UAAC)

The UAAC is a group committed to improving the lives of persons affected by arthritis. The UAAC is made up of persons with arthritis, physical therapists, rheumatologists, health clinic staff, ethnic minority representation, Salt Lake City Aging Services Senior Center staff, Utah Department of Health Arthritis Program staff, and Arthritis Foundation staff. The UAAC is committed to improving the REACH of the Arthritis Foundation evidence-based intervention programs. The UAAC also assists with developing a state plan designed to involve many partners.

Key Partners

• Arthritis Foundation Utah/Idaho Chapter
• Utah Senior Centers/Aging Services
• Southwest Utah Public Health Department
• The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital (TOSH)
• Comunadidas Unidas

Intervention and Partnership Highlights

During 2005, the Utah Arthritis Program increased the REACH of the Arthritis Foundation Evidence Based Programs, specifically the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP), Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program (AFAP) and Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program (AFSHP) by Fourth quarter data from 2005 indicate the AFAP has reached 508 individuals, the AFEP has reached 53 individuals and the AFSHP has reached 69 individuals. Complete 2005 REACH data is not available at this time.

• Partnering with the Arthritis Foundation Utah/ Idaho Chapter to expand the AFEP, AFAP and AFSMP statewide. The partnership enabled yearly leader trainings in all three programs.
• Partnering with The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital (TOSH). The UAP and TOSH have partnered to offer courses to people with arthritis. These courses provide basic information from doctors, physical therapists, nutritionists and arthritis resource specialists. It also serves as a catalyst to promote evidence-based programs.
• Partnering with the Salt Lake Senior Centers. The UAP has partnered with Salt Lake and Southwestern Utah Senior centers to offer the AFAP and AFEP. The programs are ideal for the populations in these organizations. The centers are where many seniors convene; this allows us to bring the programs to the people.
• Partnering with the Southwest Utah Public Health Department—The SWUPHD has helped increase awareness of evidence based programs and has coordinated efforts surrounding recruitment. They have provided us with critical knowledge and contacts within St. George, Utah.

Program Documents

• Utah Arthritis Program Web site
• Utah State Burden Report [PDF–1MB]
• Utah Arthritis State Plan [PDF–482KB]

Contact Information

Nathan Peterson
Utah Arthritis Program Director
 PO Box 142107
 Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-2107 
 Telephone: (801)538-9458
 Fax: (801)538-9495
 E-mail: nathanpeterson@utah.gov