Arthritis affects nearly 46 million Americans and is the leading cause of disability
in the United States. It affects thirty percent of adults in South Carolina and
can limit everyday activities. Common symptoms include pain, aching, stiffness,
and swelling in or around the joints.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines people with arthritis as those having been told by a doctor or other health professional that they have some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia. The term arthritis includes more than100 types of arthritis and other
rheumatic conditions. Four forms of arthritis that are priorities for the SC Arthritis State Plan are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and fibromyalgia. Some forms, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, may affect more than one organ and cause widespread symptoms. Here is a list of the many Types of Arthritis. (pdf)
In 1998 the CDC, the Arthritis Foundation, and the Association of State and Territorial
Health Officials released the first national plan to address arthritis. More
than 90 organizations offered input into The National Arthritis Action Plan: A
Public Health Strategy (NAAP). This
plan emphasized targeting population groups, rather than treating individuals.
In response to NAAP, arthritis was included in the Healthy People 2010 health
objectives for the nation. This was the first time that arthritis was included
in the nation's health objectives. Additionally, the CDC developed agreements
with state health departments for programs to address arthritis at the state
level.
In October 1999, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
(DHEC) first received funding from the CDC to develop a public health response
to the burden of arthritis in South Carolina. As a result, the South Carolina
Arthritis Prevention and Control Program (hereinafter called the SC Arthritis
Program) was created. The CDC continues to fund the program today, along with
programs in 35 other states.
The South Carolina Arthritis Program was created to:
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Develop a State Plan to reduce the burden of arthritis in SC,
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Establish an arthritis surveillance system,
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Increase public awareness of arthritis,
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Prevent arthritis whenever possible,
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Promote screening, early diagnosis, and appropriate management of arthritis,
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Address gaps and barriers to services,
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Improve quality of life for people with arthritis.
A statewide needs assessment was conducted from February - March 2002 as a part of the program's Five-Year Plan, 2001-2005. Four major categories were addressed:
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Information,
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Resources and services,
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Unmet needs,
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Quality of life.
Findings indicated:
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Most are not satisfied with the amount, quality, or availability of arthritis-related information.
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There are not enough services available, and some services are not helpful or affordable.
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More education about arthritis and arthritis-related conditions is needed.
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Arthritis negatively affects every aspect of life.
In partnership with the Arthritis Foundation, Carolinas Chapter and other organizations, the SC Arthritis Program is working to address these findings through its five-year goals 2003-2008:
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To build a strong partnership network among DHEC, the Arthritis Foundation, and other organizations across the state,
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To generate a complete picture of the scope of arthritis in SC,
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To make services available throughout the state for people with arthritis,
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To increase awareness of the importance of screening, early diagnosis, and appropriate management of arthritis, including self-management,
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To increase physical activity among people with arthritis.