5285.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - Board 3

Abstract #8932

Promoting health through self-identification of risk: Development of an assessment tool for arthritis

Lisa M. Carlson, MPH, CHES1, Pamela R. Massey, MS, PT2, Karen L. Riggs, MPH1, and Michele L. Boutaugh, MPH, BSN1. (1) National Office, Arthritis Foundation, 1330 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309, 404.965.7592, Lcarlson@arthritis.org, (2) M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Rehab Services, Box 98, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030

As the prevalence of chronic disease increases, effective intervention with chronic but manageable diseases is imperative, particularly for those common conditions that, when underdiagnosed and undertreated, can result in significant morbidity and costs. The leading cause of disability among U.S. adults is arthritis. Many forms of arthritis are manageable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment, yet prevailing myths can result in delays in diagnosis and subsequent undertreatment. In a recent CDC study, 40% of persons with active arthritis symptoms had not seen a physician for diagnosis. Even among those who had been diagnosed, most could not state their specific type of arthritis. This contributes to the significant negative impacts of the disease, often including unnecessary symptoms and disability, and higher medical costs. The Arthritis Foundation led a collaboration to develop a simple, patient self-administered screening tool for osteoarthritis to help patients self-identify their risk for, and symptoms of, arthritis. The purpose of the tool is twofold: to raise awareness of the health benefits of early and appropriate diagnosis and treatment of arthritis, and to help managed care organizations identify members with arthritis symptoms who would benefit from education and self-management. The 12 item instrument includes items from previously validated instruments and covers both risk factors and symptoms. This presentation will review the collaboration leading to the development of the tool, describe the health promotion benefits of self-identification of risk for chronic diseases like arthritis, review the tool itself, and discuss the dissemination strategies in use to promote the tool.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation, the participant will be able to: 1. Describe the health promotion benefits of self-identification of risk for chronic disease. 2. Discuss the dissemination strategies applied to population-based awareness tools

Keywords: Risk Assessment, Arthritis

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Arthritis Foundation (non-profit offering self-management strategies will be referenced)
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employed by the Arthritis Foundation.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA