BACKGROUND: Arthritis is one of the most common chronic health conditions, estimated to affect nearly one-quarter of all Americans. The Montana Arthritis Program uses surveillance data from the Montana Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (MT BRFSS) to inform its programmatic approach and tailor intervention implementation accordingly. This study examines the burden of arthritis in Montana by selected socio-demographic characteristics, and identifies related health outcomes. Implementation approaches based on these findings are also discussed.
METHODS: Data from the 2015 BRFSS were analyzed to assess the prevalence of arthritis among Montanans aged 18 years and older in various population subgroups. Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the odds of selected health-related indicators among people ever diagnosed with arthritis compared to people without arthritis, adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and education. Weighted analysis was conducted using SAS 9.4.
RESULTS: An estimated 26.8% of Montana adults have ever been diagnosed with arthritis, with higher prevalence among older adults, those with lower income, those with lower education, and those who reported being unable to work. Although women are more likely than men to have arthritis (29.2% vs 24.4%), the prevalence of arthritis among male Montanans is significantly higher than the national prevalence of arthritis in men. People with arthritis were also more likely to live in rural areas. Adjusted odds rations indicated that arthritis is significantly associated with disability, obesity, self-reported poor or fair health, and cost as a barrier to accessing health care. Self-reported physical activity, tobacco use, frequent poor/fair mental health, and race/ethnicity were not significantly associated with arthritis.
CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of arthritis is higher in Montana than the national rate, with disparities correlated with geographic and socio-demographic factors. This data indicates the need for increased access to arthritis-specific public health programs, including strategies tailored to effectively reach rural populations.