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Show these populations. Specifically, efforts will be made to describe prevalence and risk in Hispanic and Native American populations. As is true with many chronic conditions, arthritis prevalence appears to increase with decreased socio-economic status (CDC, 1996 No. 23). While there appears to be no correlation between arthritis prevalence and education, there clearly are increased negative health outcomes associated with arthritis in those less educated. This finding demonstrates the need for those in public health to look beyond simple prevalence data when identifying potential populations for public health programs. When possible, we should consider the proportion of negative health outcomes associated with a chronic condition as a potential key indicator of need. The identified positive relationship between arthritis and increased body mass index is consistent with national data. It should be noted, however, that we are uncertain if increased body mass index causes arthritis or if arthritis contributes to weight gain perhaps due to decreased physical activity. Regardless, this relationship is critical for several reasons. The number of overweight and obese individuals is increasing nationally and in Utah. If, in fact, increased body mass index contributes to arthritis, the increase in overweight and obesity presents a potential factor contributing to a rapid increase in arthritis prevalence in coming years. Also, this trend towards increased overweight and obesity is modifiable with appropriate and effective programs. The fact that a significant percentage of obese and overweight persons with and without arthritis were not trying to lose weight is a significant and potentially modifiable problem in the prevention and management of arthritis. Physical activity may be an important factor in both obesity and arthritis. The data in this report demonstrate that individuals with arthritis are less physically active, and yet research has demonstrated that increased physical activity may improve arthritis-related health outcomes. This low rate of physical activity in those with arthritis may contribute to increased body weight as well as poor outcomes associated with arthritis. It is interesting to note, however, that in this study there was little association between physical activity and body mass index (r = -0.099). Therefore, no attempts were made to control the potential affect of these factors on each other. Conclusions In conclusion, this study represents an important first-time publication of Utah-specific arthritis prevalence and risk data. Utah generally mirrors the nation with respect to both arthritis prevalence and risk. Arthritis contributes to significant health burden in our society and there are interventions that would effec- tively reduce this burden. The data in this report should be utilized to educate the public about the magnitude and burden of arthritis in Utah and should be used to help focus arthritis resources so those individuals and populations most at risk may be helped. These efforts should include partnering to impact potentially modifiable and modifiable risks such as overweight and obesity and physical activity. References 1. Arthritis Foundation, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials and CDC (1999). National Arthritis Action Plan: A Public Health Strategy. Atlanta, Georgia: Arthritis Foundation. 2. Bissonette, N.E., Bullough. R.C.. Larsen, L. (2000). Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of Utah women regarding arthritis self-help counseling. Abstract book, 15th National Conference on Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, 154. 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1996a). Prevalence of Arthritis by Race and Ethnicity-United States. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 45(18): 373-378. 4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1996b). Factors Associated with Prevalent Self-Reported Arthritis and Rheumatic Conditions. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 45(23): 487. 5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1999). Impact of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions on the health-care system. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 48(17): 349-353. 6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2001a). Targeting Arthritis: Tlie Nation's Leading Cause of Disability At-A-Glance 2001 [Online] http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/art-aag2001.htm/. 7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2001b) Prevalence of disabilities and associated health conditions among adults - United States 1999. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 50(7): 120-125. 8. Kruger. J.. Helmick, C, Callahan. L., Haddix. A. (1998). Cost-effectiveness of Arthritis Self-Help Course. Archives of Internal Medicine, 158: 1245-1249. 9. Lorig, K., Laurin, J., Gines. G. (1984). Arthritis self-management: a five-year history of a patient education program. Nursing Clinicians North America, 19:637-645. 10. Petrella, R.J., Bartha. C. (2000). Home based exercise therapy for older patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized clinical trial. Journal of Rheumatology, 27(9): 2215-2221. 11. Rejeski, W.J., Ettinger Jr., W.H., Martin, K., Morgan, T. (1998). Treating disability in knee osteoarthritis with exercise therapy: a central role for self-efficacy and pain. Arthritis Care Research, 11(2): 94-101. 12. Superio-Cabuslay. E., Ward, M.. Lorig, K. (1996). Patient education interventions in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analytic comparison with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug treatment. Arthritis Care Research, 9: 292-301. 13. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (1996). Physical activity and health: a report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. About the Authors Richard Bullough is Director of the Utah Arthritis Program in the Utah Department of Health. Michael Friedrichs is the Statistician for the Bureau of Health Promotion, in the Utah Department of Health. LaDene Larsen has been the Director for the Bureau of Health Promotion in the Utah Department of Health for 18 years. Rat hie Marti currently serves as Utah's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Coordinator. Randy Tanner is the Epidemiologist for the Utah Arthritis Program in the Utah Department of Health. Utah's Health: An Annual Review Volume VIII 19 |