Arthritis Self-Management by Demographics, Georgia, 2005, 2007, and 2009

BACKGROUND:  Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States, disproportionally affecting racial and ethnic minorities. Physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and self-management education can improve disability but these interventions are underused.  The study aims to determine whether demographic or socioeconomic differences in the use of arthritis self-management interventions exist among adults in Georgia during 2003, 2005, and 2007. 

METHODS:  We combined Georgia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from 2003, 2005, and 2007.  We analyzed a sample of 7,604 adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis using SAS-Callable SUDAAN in SAS 9.3.  Using simple logistic regression, we measured demographic and socioeconomic differences in the use of arthritis self-management interventions.

RESULTS:  Among adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis in Georgia, 64.1% (95% CI: 62.6-65.6) exercised, 28.0% (95% CI: 26.6-29.5) maintained a healthy weight, and 10.5% (95% CI: 9.5-11.7) attended self-management education classes.  Black non-Hispanics (OR: 0.7 (95% CI: 0.6-0.9)), females (OR: 0.8 (95% CI: 0.7-0.9)), those 65 years of age and older (OR: 0.7 (95% CI: 0.6-0.9)), and those without health insurance (OR: 0.7 (95% CI: 0.6-0.9)) were less likely to exercise.  Black non-Hispanics (OR: 0.5 (95% CI: 0.4-0.6)) and males (OR: 0.6 (95% CI: 0.5-0.7)) were less likely to maintain a healthy weight.  White non-Hispanics (OR: 0.6 (95% CI: 0.5-0.8)) were less likely to attend self-management education class.

CONCLUSIONS:  Utilization of arthritis interventions differs by race, sex, age, and health insurance status.  Healthcare providers should take into account these differences to target the recommended arthritis interventions.