Women in the Baby Boom generation (ages 36-54) have been identified as a critical target audience to receive messages about the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management of arthritis. Arthritis prevalence is higher among women; women are the health-care decision makers for themselves and their families and are active seekers of health information; and women in this generation may be caring for aging relatives with arthritis as well as beginning to experience symptoms of arthritis themselves. Extensive formative research was conducted to collect information about women's use of health information, their perceptions and attitudes toward arthritis, and their responses to creative concepts designed to encourage early diagnosis and appropriate management of arthritis. Although the research revealed a higher than expected awareness of arthritis as a potentially serious condition that impacts all ages, key misperceptions persist, including a lack of awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention.
A major public health challenge, arthritis is a particularly important health issue for women. The activities described in this presentation are an important part of implementation of the National Arthritis Action Plan (NAAP): A Public Health Strategy, which calls for agencies to build partnerships to address arthritis and carry out communication activities to build awareness and motivate people with arthritis symptoms to seek early diagnosis and appropriate management.
This presentation will describe the major findings of the formative research, as well as the development of print materials for local dissemination. Sample materials will be shown.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to: 1. Discuss the major findings of formative research conducted among women with arthritis or chronic joint symptoms; 2. Describe tactics being used to encourage early diagnosis and appropriate management of arthritis among women Baby Boomers.
Keywords: Health Communications, Social Marketing
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. This project was supported by Cooperative Agreement Number H75/CCH417505-01 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its contents are solely the r
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.