Study assesses musculoskeletal health needs of underserved patients

                       To improve the health of a community, the first step is to identify its most pressing needs. To that end, in 2022 Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) implemented a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to assess musculoskeletal health needs, identify health disparities and support the development of initiatives to address unmet needs.

                      Critical issues included a lack of health education and awareness in managing arthritis and other painful conditions; a high incidence of falls in the community; and limited access to care among underserved populations.

                      The study, "Assessing Musculoskeletal Health Needs of Underserved Patients & Community Members Using a Community Based Participatory Research Approach," was presented virtually at ACR Convergence 2022, the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology in Philadelphia.

                                                   

                             HSS researchers used a mixed-method approach to develop a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). "For quantitative data, we distributed a community survey in four languages-;English, Spanish, Chinese and Russian-;to assess the socio-demographic characteristics of the populations we serve; health status and quality of life; health behavior and lifestyle; use of and access to care; and health education needs," explained Adeniran. "For qualitative data, we conducted interviews with 22 community partners, including community-based organizations, city and state agencies and universities."

                            The survey was distributed in various ways, including online, via email, using Alchemer panels, in person, and through the mail over a four-week period from January 15 to February 15, 2022. A total of 18,248 patients and community members completed the surveys, with 57% representing a diverse and underserved population.

                           In addition to the surveys, interviews with community partners provided valuable insights into unmet health needs, Adeniran noted. Community organizations represented all five boroughs of New York City, as well as surrounding areas serving racially/ethnically diverse populations. They represented all age, gender, and socioeconomic groups.

Abstract Sumission - https://x-i.me/ortaji1
Conference Registration - https://x-i.me/orcreg11
Award Nomination - https://x-i.me/ortawr21

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