State Burden

In Tennessee, in 2003, arthritis affected nearly one of three adults (1.5 million adults have arthritis). Tennessee’s arthritis program works statewide with partners to understand the burden of arthritis, to increase arthritis awareness, and implement programs, policies, and systems that will effect change.

Consistent with national patterns, groups in Tennessee most at risk for arthritis are women, senior citizens, and individuals with low-income or low-education levels. The prevalence arthritis increases from 17.8% among residents aged 18–44 years to 41.42% in persons aged 45–64 years. The over 65 age group reported the highest levels, a dramatic 56.3%. Arthritis affects all race and ethnic groups with no significant variations of prevalence. However, whites (32.4%) are more likely to have arthritis than blacks (27.6%). Though arthritis affects both sexes, as is nationally, women are more likely to have this condition. Among females, 35.2% have arthritis, compared with 27.6% of the male population.

Arthritis Coalition and Partners

A primary facilitator of program success is the relationship between the state’s arthritis program and the Arthritis Foundation—Tennessee Chapter. Establishing new and maintaining existing partnerships are a main concern of the Tennessee Arthritis Advisory Council. The Advisory Council is a 19 member professional structure serving as the guide for all statewide collaborations. Partnerships exist with Alpha Omicron Pi, Easter Seals (Turner Family Center), University of Tennessee, Belmont University, and Vanderbilt University and Medical Center.

Intervention Highlights

During 2005, the Tennessee Arthritis Program reached 560 Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program participants, 20,987 Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program participants, and 98,139 Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program participants by

• Effectively partnering with the Arthritis Foundation Tennessee Chapter and the University of Tennessee Extension Services. This partnership has led to statewide expansion of the Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program and the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program. The University of Tennessee expanded the capacity of extension agents assigned to all 95 counties of the state by training them as Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program leaders and Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program leaders. Additionally, to offer financial support and incentives to participants, the instructors have access to discretionary funds for purchasing the Arthritis Helpbook that accompanies the Arthritis Self-Help Program training.
• Working with Belmont University. Occupational (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) students at Belmont University are required to perform community service work and are recruited annually to train as Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program and Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program course leaders. Participants for student’s intervention offerings are recruited through Belmont’s Alumni Association and by the Arthritis Foundation Tennessee Chapter.
• Collaborating with EasterSeals. EasterSeals offers the Turner Family Center facilities in middle Tennessee for hosting instructor trainings and for offering on-going classes for the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, the Arthritis Self-Help Program, and the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program.
• Partnering with Alpha Omicron Pi. A pool of statewide volunteers has been coordinated to promote Arthritis Foundation evidence-based intervention programs. Alpha Omicron Pi recruits leaders and provides website links to the Tennessee Department of Health and the Arthritis Foundation Tennessee Chapter to increase access to arthritis information, programs, and course schedules.

Contact Information

Michael Gregory, MS, Director
Arthritis Program
Tennessee Department of Health
425 5th Avenue, North
6th Floor, Cordell Hull Building
Nashville, Tennessee 37243
Telephone: (615) 741-4007
Fax: (615) 532-8478
E-mail: michael.gregory@state.tn.us