The WVU Office of Health Services Research (OHSR) proposes “Building an Equitable and Sustainable Arthritis Program in West Virginia: CDC State Public Health Approaches to Addressing Arthritis Component A” to address the substantial public health burden of arthritis among adults in West Virginia (WV). OHSR will bring together organizations and individuals dedicated to increasing health equity, serving disparate populations, and offering Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognized programming to combat our significant arthritis burden. Collaborators in this initiative, termed the WV Arthritis Program, have a shared vision of equitable and accessible evidence-based health care. The WV Arthritis Program will facilitate statewide dissemination of Arthritis-Appropriate Evidence-Based Interventions (AAEBIs) with a focus on disparate populations, improved referral pathways, increased provider physical activity counseling for arthritis management, and increased physical activity among adults with arthritis. This initiative adopts two strategies to accomplish these goals: 1) Establish statewide capacity and infrastructure to sustainably disseminate AAEBIs, maintain AAEBI availability, and implement strategies to sustain access to and delivery of selected AAEBIs; and 2) Raise awareness about physical activity counseling and availability of AAEBIs among health care providers.
The WV Arthritis Program is a coordinated effort consisting of partners and organizations that receive funding from the CDC, as well as those that do not receive funding from the CDC. Collaborators represent national, state-based, and regional organizations with missions, visions, and values complementary to the intent and goals of this statewide program.
Arthritis poses substantial health and economic challenges to individuals regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. However, African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, Asian Americans, individuals with low-incomes, and those living in rural areas are disproportionately affected by arthritis. The WV Arthritis Program will ensure individuals meeting these sociodemographic criteria receive targeted outreach. Furthermore, given the additional contextual data provided by the 2021 WV BRFSS, the WV Arthritis Program will also ensure that individuals meeting any of the following criteria are prioritized: those aged 45 and older, female, racial and ethnic minorities, adults who live in rural areas, those with household income of less than $50,000 annually, those with less than a college degree, adults who experience chronic pain or severe joint pain, adults with arthritis-attributable work or activity limitations, adults with moderate to serious mental distress, and adults with arthritis associated comorbid conditions (i.e., diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension).
State-based organizations collaborating in this effort provide a venue for convening organizations and individuals dedicated to healthcare equity for all, and will ensure that the WV Arthritis Program is integrated into state planning for improved sustainability state-wide. The WV Arthritis Program aims to reach 1% (~7,000 people) of WV’s adult arthritis population during the 5-year grant period, or an average of 1,400 individuals annually, using an evaluation framework designed to support project reach and impact.
