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OVERVIEW
This educational activity is for the healthcare professional who is involved in the care of patients who are at high risk for
arthritis and comorbidities, such as obesity and depression. At-risk individuals include women and those of African American
and Hispanic descent. This group demonstrates “health disparities”, which are preventable differences in health status.
Health disparities frequently can be attributed to social disadvantages, poverty, inadequate access to care and educational
inequality.
Depression and its comorbidities remain a significant public health problem in the United States despite decades of research,
recognition and treatment.
Women and specific ethnic groups represent populations that are especially vulnerable to mental health disparities and face
unique challenges pertaining to mental health care. Increased physical activity among this population can address both
depression and arthritis pain.
Cultural norms and beliefs, however, create situations where patients appear to be non-compliant regarding increasing
physical activity, lazy, or disengaged from the healthcare provider’s point of view. Culture impacts the continuum of a
person’s health from the types of illnesses they develop, to expressing their emotions about illness, and how they respond to
therapeutic intervention. Thus the clinician’s aim should be cultural sensitivity and competence, such that the delivery of care
to these high risk groups is effective with better outcomes.
Unless a study specifies a sub-population, this document defines two ethnic groups, per
the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health:
Hispanics/
Latinos are any person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or
other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race, and African Americans are defined as
people with origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa.
LEARNER OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this activity, the healthcare practitioner should be able to:
1. Define health disparity in relation to arthritis, depression and associated comorbidities.
2. Explain the pathophysiology, risk factors and interventions for osteoarthritis.
3. Identify characteristics of depression, including prevalence, etiology, and provider diagnosis and treatment patterns.
4. Compare the use of common screening tools for depression and behavioral health issues.
5. Discuss the cultural beliefs of African Americans and Hispanic/Latinos with respect to seeking care for mental health
issues.
6. Describe the types of physical activity appropriate for those with arthritis, and how this mobility alleviates symptoms
7. Delineate characteristics of a culturally competent healthcare practitioner, and steps that may be taken to improve care.
INTENDED AUDIENCE
This educational activity is for the healthcare professional who is involved in the treatment of African American women and
Latinas with musculoskeletal disparities that also present with symptoms of depression.
Professional Practice Gaps
Healthcare providers who are involved in the care of African American, Caucasian and Hispanic/Latina Women with arthritis
and comorbidities, such as obesity and depression should be aware of the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and its
relationship to depression. They should be able to identify and address the contributing factors that lead to disparities in health