Background/Purpose: Musculoskeletal disorders are the most prevalent health conditions in the U.S. resulting in financial and social burdens, especially in underserved communities. There are also significant musculoskeletal health disparities that exist with specific groups (i.e., women, older adults, racial/ethnic minorities) being disproportionately affected. In 2022, HSS implemented a community based participatory research (CBPR) approach to assess musculoskeletal health needs of the community, identify health disparities, and implement community initiatives to address unmet needs.

Methods: In facilitating this CBPR approach, HSS partnered with community members and community-based organizations, city/state agencies and universities, to develop and implement a Community Health Needs Assessment. To assess the needs of our community, we used a mixed-method approach. For quantitative data, we implemented a community survey in four languages (i.e., English, Spanish, Chinese & Russian) to assess health status and quality of life; health behavior and lifestyle; use of and access to care; health education needs and socio-demographics. For qualitative data, we conducted key informant interviews with 22 community partners serving diverse communities. For our recruitment strategy, we oversampled underserved and diverse populations and utilized text messages to engage our underserved patients and community members.

Results: We received over 18,000 responses to our community survey with 57% representing a diverse and underserved population. Osteoarthritis was the leading musculoskeletal condition reported with significant disparities found among respondents >60 years, females, Non-Hispanics & Caucasian/Whites, and those with high socio-economic status (p≤0.001). Lack of confidence in managing musculoskeletal conditions and educational awareness in managing these conditions were significant gaps among underserved community members. Two weeks of more of poor mental health was reported among those diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and Gout (p≤0.01). For pain management, most respondents from underserved communities reported using prescription opioid to manage pain specifically those with diagnosed with fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain, lupus and osteoarthritis (p≤0.001). Themes from key informant interviews with community partners revealed back, pain and falls as significant musculoskeletal health needs while pain emerged as significant themes for barriers to improving musculoskeletal health.

Conclusion: Broad community engagement with community members and community partners as well as a tailored sampling strategy was crucial to the success of any CBPR approach in assessing the health needs of the community and identifying areas where health disparities exist. These results will enable us to raise awareness about health disparities that continue to affect our diverse and underserved populations and inform community-based initiatives in addressing significant musculoskeletal health needs and promoting health equity.

ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/assessing-musculoskeletal-health-needs-of-underserved-patients-community-members-using-a-community-based-participatory-research-approach/