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Table 1.  

 

Caregivers

Noncaregivers

Characteristic

Unweighted no.

Prevalence of arthritis,**
% (95% CI)

Unweighted no.

Prevalence of arthritis,**
% (95% CI)

p-value††

Overall 19,910 35.1 (33.8–36.5) 71,211 24.5 (23.9–29.1) <0.001
Age group, yrs
18–44 4,207 17.3 (15.2–19.6) 19,453 7.8 (7.2–8.5) <0.001
45–64 8,215 39.1 (37.1–41.2) 24,202 31.5 (30.3–32.7) <0.001
≥65 7,240 55.4 (53.2–57.6) 26,685 49.5 (48.2–50.7) <0.001
Sex
Men 7,419 30.6 (28.6–32.7) 32,967 20.9 (20.0–21.7) <0.001
Women 12,488 38.4 (36.7–40.1) 38,230 28.1 (27.3–29.1) <0.001
Race and ethnicity
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic 462 34.8 (23.7–47.8) 1,363 26.2 (21.4–31.5) 0.20
Asian, non-Hispanic 495 24.1 (15.5–35.5) 2,692 10.0 (7.5–13.1) <0.001
Black or African American, non-Hispanic 1,315 29.5 (25.3–34.2) 4,460 26.2 (24.1–28.4) 0.19
White, non-Hispanic 14,802 38.7 (37.2–40.2) 51,328 27.9 (27.2–28.6) <0.001
Hispanic 1,463 22.1 (18.5–26.2) 6,851 14.8 (13.3–16.4) <0.001
Other, non-Hispanic§§ 789 35.2 (28.7–42.4) 2,450 26.2 (22.7–30.2 0.02
Education level
High school graduate or less 5,874 37.2 (34.8–39.7) 23,904 26.8 (25.7–27.9) <0.001
Some college or more 14,002 33.9 (32.4–35.5) 47,050 23.0 (22.3–23.7) <0.001
Employment status
Employed or self-employed 9,574 25.9 (24.2–27.6) 35,168 15.5 (14.8–16.2) <0.001
Unemployed 930 26.9 (21.9–32.6) 2,762 22.3 (19.5–25.3) 0.134
Unable to work 1,491 66.4 (61.2–71.2) 5,153 58.2 (55.3–60.9) 0.005
Retired 6,348 53.5 (51.1–55.9) 22,313 48.3 (47.0–49.7) <0.001
Homemaker or student 1,435 26.0 (22.4–30.1) 5,320 11.7 (10.5–13.1) <0.001
Body mass index category¶¶
Underweight or normal 5,704 27.8 (25.5–30.1) 22,003 17.6 (16.6–18.5) <0.001
Overweight 6,496 35.0 (32.7–37.4) 23,871 24.3 (23.3–25.5) <0.001
Obese 6,619 42.4 (40.1–44.8) 20,976 33.4 (32.2–34.7) <0.001
Physical inactivity*** 4,876 42.2 (39.4–45.1) 20,268 31.5 (30.2–32.8) <0.001
State
Alaska 554 33.2 (27.4–39.5) 2,244 22.3 (19.8–25.1) 0.001
Hawaii 1,333 26.0 (23.1–29.0) 5,528 20.4 (19.1–21.8) <0.001
Kansas 1,874 35.9 (33.3–38.7) 7,198 23.4 (22.3–24.6) <0.001
Maine 1,056 37.1 (32.9–41.6) 4,169 30.2 (28.2–32.3) 0.005
Maryland 1,213 31.3 (27.8–35.1) 3,787 23.3 (21.6–25.1) <0.001
Michigan 676 38.6 (34.1–43.3) 2,551 29.0 (26.9–31.1) <0.001
New Jersey 1,051 31.6 (27.5–35.9) 3,994 23.4 (21.5–25.5) <0.001
New Mexico 1,232 30.0 (28.6–33.7) 4,404 25.4 (23.7–27.1) 0.02
New York 816 30.9 (26.9–35.3) 2,998 21.9 (20.1–23.9) <0.001
Ohio 801 44.3 (39.0–49.7) 2,780 28.5 (26.1–30.9) <0.001
Oklahoma 654 35.4 (31.0–40.1) 2,153 25.5 (23.3–27.8) <0.001
Oregon 1,082 36.0 (32.6–39.5) 4,170 25.5 (24.0–27.1) <0.001
Rhode Island 1,090 33.5 (29.9–37.3) 3,801 26.9 (25.1–28.8) 0.002
Tennessee 1,271 39.0 (35.4–42.7) 3,650 30.6 (28.7–32.6) <0.001
Texas 2,247 33.2 (29.6–36.9) 7,228 21.1 (19.5–22.8) <0.001
Utah 1,155 33.3 (30.1–36.6) 4,128 20.4 (19.1–21.8) <0.001
Virginia 1,805 36.7 (33.8–39.7) 6,428 26.2 (24.8–27.6) <0.001

Table 1. Prevalence of arthritis* among caregivers and noncaregivers aged ≥18 years, by selected characteristics and state — Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 17 states,§ 2017 and 2019

Abbreviation: BMI = body mass index.

* Having arthritis was defined as having ever been told by a doctor or other health care professional that the respondent had arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia.

† Caregiving was defined as providing care to a family member or friend with a health condition or disability during the past 30 days.

§ The following states implemented the arthritis and caregiving modules in the same survey year during 2017 or 2019 (most recent year used): Alaska (2017), Hawaii (2019), Kansas (2017), Maine (2019), Maryland (2019), Michigan (2017), New Jersey (2017), New Mexico (2017), New York (2019), Ohio (2019), Oklahoma (2017), Oregon (2019), Rhode Island (2017), Tennessee (2019), Texas (2019), Utah (2019), and Virginia (2019).

¶ Categories might not sum to the sample total because of missing responses.

** Estimates were weighted to each state’s adult population.

†† T-tests were used to determine statistically significant differences in arthritis prevalence between caregivers and noncaregivers for each subgroup of selected characteristics.

§§ Includes respondents who reported that they are of some other race group not listed in the survey question responses and are not of Hispanic origin.

¶¶ BMI (kg/m2) estimates were calculated from self-reported weight and height. BMI was categorized as underweight or healthy weight (BMI <25), overweight (BMI 25 to <30), and having obesity (BMI ≥30).

*** Physical inactivity was defined as responding “no” to the question, “During the past month, other than your regular job, did you participate in any physical activities or exercises such as running, calisthenics, golf, gardening, or walking for exercise?”

Table 2.  

 

Caregivers with arthritis

Caregivers without arthritis

Characteristic

Unweighted no.

Weighted**
% (95% CI)

Unweighted no.

Weighted**
% (95% CI)

p-value††

Length of time of care provided, yrs
<5 5,256 64.9 (62.7–67.1) 8,121 71.3 (69.5–73.0) <0.001
≥5 2,636 35.1 (32.9–37.3) 3,401 28.7 (27.0–30.5) <0.001
No. of hours of care provided weekly
<20 5,094 67.2 (64.9–69.3) 7,760 71.5 (69.7–73.2) 0.003
20–39 811 12.0 (10.4–13.7) 1,179 11.0 (9.8–12.2) 0.337
≥40 1,443 20.9 (19.1–22.8) 1,929 17.5 (16.1–19.0) 0.005
Type of care provided§§
Personal care only 417 5.7 (4.8–6.8) 624 5.6 (4.8–6.5) 0.87
Household tasks only 2,621 32.7 (30.6–34.9) 3,910 34.7 (32.8–36.5) 0.17
Both types 3,350 44.8 (42.5–47.0) 5,005 43.8 (42.0–45.7) 0.54
Neither type 1,549 16.8 (15.3–18.4) 2,023 15.9 (14.6–17.2) 0.36
Has a primary care provider¶¶ 7,464 91.2 (89.8–92.4) 9,916 80.4 (78.6–82.1) <0.001
Arthritis-attributable limitations
Has arthritis-attributable activity limitations*** 3,884 49.1 (46.9–51.4) NA NA NA
Has arthritis-attributable work limitations††† 2,802 39.9 (37.7–42.2) NA NA  
Disability type§§§
Mobility 2,894 38.0 (35.8–40.2) 888 7.3 (6.4–8.3) <0.001
Self-care 682 9.8 (8.5–11.3) 165 1.5 (1.1–1.9) <0.001
Independent living 1,004 14.7 (13.1–16.4) 524 5.0 (4.2–5.8) <0.001

Table 2. Distribution of selected characteristics among caregivers* aged ≥18 years with and without arthritis — Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 17 states§, 2017 and 2019

Abbreviation: NA = not applicable.

* Caregiving was defined as providing care to a family member or friend with a health condition or disability during the past 30 days.

Having arthritis was defined as having ever been told by a doctor or other health care professional that the respondent had arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia.

§ The following states implemented the arthritis and caregiving modules in the same survey year during 2017 or 2019 (most recent year used): Alaska (2017), Hawaii (2019), Kansas (2017), Maine (2019), Maryland (2019), Michigan (2017), New Jersey (2017), New Mexico (2017), New York (2019), Ohio (2019), Oklahoma (2017), Oregon (2019), Rhode Island (2017), Tennessee (2019), Texas (2019), Utah (2019), and Virginia (2019).

Categories might not sum to the sample total because of missing responses.

** Estimates were weighted to each state’s adult population.

†† T-tests were used to determine statistically significant differences in characteristics between respondents with and without arthritis.

§§ Personal care was defined as responding “yes” to the question, “In the past 30 days, did you provide care for this person by managing personal care such as giving medications, feeding, dressing, or bathing?” Household tasks was defined as responding “yes” to the question, “In the past 30 days, did you provide care for this person by managing household tasks such as cleaning, managing money, or preparing meals?”

¶¶ Having a primary care provider was defined as responding “yes,” “only one,” or “more than one” to the question, “Do you have one person you think of as your personal doctor or health care provider? (If ´No´ ask ´Is there more than one or is there no person who you think of as your personal doctor or health care provider?´).”

*** Arthritis-attributable activity limitation was defined as responding “yes” to the question, “Are you now limited in any way in any of your usual activities because of arthritis or joint symptoms?” This question was only asked among respondents with arthritis.

††† Arthritis-attributable work limitations were defined as responding “yes” to the question, “Do arthritis or joint symptoms now affect whether you work, the type of work you do or the amount of work you do?” This question was only asked among respondents with arthritis.

§§§ Disability types were defined as responding “yes” to the following questions, “Do you have serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs?” (mobility disability), “Do you have difficulty dressing or bathing?” (self-care disability), and “Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition, do you have difficulty doing errands alone such as visiting a doctor´s office or shopping?” (independent living disability).

CME / ABIM MOC / CE

Prevalence and Characteristics of Arthritis Among Caregivers — 17 States, 2017 and 2019

  • Authors: Eva M.J. Jackson, MPH; John D. Omura, MD; Michael A. Boring, MS; Erica L. Odom, DrPH; Anika L. Foster, DrPH; Benjamin S. Olivari, MPH; Lisa C. McGuire, PhD; Janet B. Croft, PhD
  • CME / ABIM MOC / CE Released: 4/3/2023
  • Valid for credit through: 4/3/2024, 11:59 PM EST
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Target Audience and Goal Statement

This activity is intended for public health officials, rheumatologists, family practitioners, orthopedists, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team for patients with arthritis who are caregivers of a family member or friend.

The goal of this activity is for learners to be better able to describe arthritis among caregivers of a family member or friend, according to an analysis of data from 17 states that in either 2017 or 2019 administered both the arthritis and caregiving modules as part of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a cross-sectional, random digit–dialed, annual telephone survey of noninstitutionalized US adults aged 18 years or older.

Upon completion of this activity, participants will:

  • Describe prevalence of arthritis among caregivers, overall and in demographic subgroups, according to a subset of data from 17 states that in either 2017 or 2019 administered both the arthritis and caregiving modules as part of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)
  • Compare caregiving characteristics and physical and other limitations among caregivers with or without arthritis, according to an analysis of data from 17 states that in either 2017 or 2019 administered both the arthritis and caregiving modules as part of the BRFSS
  • Identify clinical and public health implications of arthritis among caregivers of a family member or friend, according to an analysis of data from 17 states that in either 2017 or 2019 administered both the arthritis and caregiving modules as part of the BRFSS


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Faculty

  • Eva M.J. Jackson, MPH

    Alzheimer’s Association
    Chicago, Illinois
    Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
    Oak Ridge, Tennessee

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    Eva M.J. Jackson, MPH, has no relevant financial relationships.

  • John D. Omura, MD

    Division of Population Health
    National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    Atlanta, Georgia

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    John D. Omura, MD, has no relevant financial relationships.

  • Michael A. Boring, MS

    ASRT, Inc.
    Smyrna, Georgia

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    Michael A. Boring, MS, has no relevant financial relationships.

  • Erica L. Odom, DrPH

    Division of Population Health
    National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    Atlanta, Georgia

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    Erica L. Odom, DrPH, has no relevant financial relationships.

  • Anika L. Foster, DrPH

    Division of Population Health
    National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    Atlanta, Georgia

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    Anika L. Foster, DrPH, has no relevant financial relationships.

  • Benjamin S. Olivari, MPH

    Division of Population Health
    National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    Atlanta, Georgia

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    Benjamin S. Olivari, MPH, has no relevant financial relationships.

  • Lisa C. McGuire, PhD

    Division of Population Health
    National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    Atlanta, Georgia

    Disclosures

    Lisa C. McGuire, PhD, has no relevant financial relationships.

  • Janet B. Croft, PhD

    Division of Population Health
    National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    Atlanta, Georgia

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    Janet B. Croft, PhD, has no relevant financial relationships.

CME Author

  • Laurie Barclay, MD

    Freelance writer and reviewer
    Medscape, LLC

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  • Leigh Schmidt, MSN, RN, CNE, CHCP

    Associate Director, Accreditation and Compliance, Medscape, LLC

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CME / ABIM MOC / CE

Prevalence and Characteristics of Arthritis Among Caregivers — 17 States, 2017 and 2019

Authors: Eva M.J. Jackson, MPH; John D. Omura, MD; Michael A. Boring, MS; Erica L. Odom, DrPH; Anika L. Foster, DrPH; Benjamin S. Olivari, MPH; Lisa C. McGuire, PhD; Janet B. Croft, PhDFaculty and Disclosures

CME / ABIM MOC / CE Released: 4/3/2023

Valid for credit through: 4/3/2024, 11:59 PM EST

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Introduction

Caregiving provides numerous benefits to both caregivers and care recipients; however, it can also negatively affect caregivers’ mental and physical health[1–4], and caregiving tasks often require physical exertion[1]. Approximately 44% of adults with arthritis report limitations attributable to arthritis, including trouble doing daily activities[5]. These limitations might affect caregivers’ ability to provide care, but little is known about arthritis among caregivers. To assess arthritis among caregivers of a family member or friend, CDC examined data from 17 states that administered both the arthritis and caregiving modules as part of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in either 2017 or 2019. Approximately one in five adults (20.6%) was a caregiver. Prevalence of arthritis was higher among caregivers (35.1%) than noncaregivers (24.5%). Compared with caregivers without arthritis, those with arthritis provided similar types of care and were more likely to have provided care for ≥5 years and for ≥40 hours per week. In addition, higher proportions of caregivers with arthritis reported disabilities compared with those without arthritis, including mobility issues (38.0% versus 7.3%). Arthritis among caregivers might affect their own health as well as the care they can provide. Caregivers can discuss their arthritis and related limitations with a health care professional to identify ways to increase their physical activity and participation in lifestyle management programs.* Such interventions might ease arthritis pain and related limitations and might support them in their ongoing caregiving role. Public health professionals can implement strategies to support caregivers throughout the caregiving process.

BRFSS is a cross-sectional, random-digit–dialed, annual telephone survey of noninstitutionalized U.S. adults aged ≥18 years. BRFSS is conducted by state and territorial health departments, and data are weighted to make estimates representative of each state. BRFSS data were analyzed among 17 states§ using the most recent year (2017 or 2019) in which respondents were asked both the caregiving and arthritis module questions (including arthritis-related limitation questions) in the same year. Combined (landline and mobile) median response rates for states used in the analysis were 47.3% (2017) and 45.7% (2019).

Respondents were classified as caregivers of a family member or friend if they responded “yes” when asked whether they provided care to a family member or friend with a health condition or disability during the past 30 days. Respondents were classified as having arthritis if they responded “yes” when asked if they had ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that they have some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia. Data were collected from 106,316 respondents; 15,195 (14.3%) respondents who refused to respond, who responded “don’t know/not sure,” or were missing responses on either the caregiving or arthritis question were excluded from the analysis. The final sample size included 91,121 respondents.

Prevalence of arthritis was compared between caregivers and noncaregivers overall and by selected demographic subgroups and individual states. Bivariate analyses were conducted among caregivers with and without arthritis to assess distributions of characteristics related to caregiving (length of care,** weekly hours of care,†† and type of care provided§§), having a primary care provider, and status of disability types that might be related to arthritis (mobility, self-care, and independent living disabilities).¶¶ Among caregivers with arthritis, prevalence of arthritis-attributable activity and work limitations*** was determined. Distribution of employment status††† was determined among caregivers providing ≥40 hours of caregiving per week by arthritis status to examine employment status among those who provide care full-time. Analyses were conducted using SUDAAN (version 11.0; RTI International) to account for the complex survey design and weighting. Statistical significance was determined at α = 0.05. This activity was reviewed by CDC and was conducted consistent with applicable federal law and CDC policy.§§§

In 17 states during 2017 and 2019, one in five adults (20.6%; 95% CI = 20.1%–21.2%) was a caregiver, and more than one in three (35.1%) caregivers had arthritis (Table 1). Prevalence of arthritis was greater among caregivers than among noncaregivers overall (35.1% versus 24.5%), in each state, and across all demographic subgroups by age group, sex, education status, body mass index category, and inactivity status. Prevalence of arthritis was higher among caregivers than among noncaregivers for most employment statuses, races, and ethnicities.

Compared with caregivers without arthritis, those with arthritis provided similar types of personal and household care and were more likely to have provided care for ≥5 years (35.1% versus 28.7%) and for ≥40 hours per week (20.9% versus 17.5%) (Table 2). Among adults with arthritis, 49.1% of caregivers reported arthritis-attributable activity limitations, and 39.9% of caregivers reported arthritis-attributable work limitations. Caregivers with arthritis were more likely than were those without arthritis to have the following types of disability: mobility (38.0% versus 7.3%), self-care (9.8% versus 1.5%), and independent living (14.7% versus 5.0%). Among caregivers with arthritis, 91.2% (95% CI = 89.8%–92.4%) reported having a primary care provider. Among caregivers who provided ≥40 hours of care per week, those with arthritis were more likely than those without arthritis to be unable to work (22.6% versus 7.6%) or to be retired (33.1% versus 18.4%) (Figure).

Enlarge

Figure. Employment status* of caregivers aged ≥18 years who provide ≥40 hours of care per week, by arthritis status§ — Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 17 states, 2017 and 2019**

* Determined based on the response to the question, “Are you currently employed for wages, self-employed, out of work for 1 year or more, out of work for less than 1 year, a homemaker, a student, retired, or unable to work?”

Caregiving was defined as providing care to a family member or friend with a health condition or disability during the past 30 days.

§ Having arthritis was defined as having ever been told by a doctor or other health care professional that the respondent had arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia.

The following states implemented the arthritis and caregiving modules in the same survey year during 2017 or 2019 (most recent year used): Alaska (2017), Hawaii (2019), Kansas (2017), Maine (2019), Maryland (2019), Michigan (2017), New Jersey (2017), New Mexico (2017), New York (2019), Ohio (2019), Oklahoma (2017), Oregon (2019), Rhode Island (2017), Tennessee (2019), Texas (2019), Utah (2019), and Virginia (2019).

** Error bars represent 95% CIs.