Background/Purpose: Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a commonly occurring inflammatory condition affecting older adults, primarily presenting with bilateral shoulder and hip stiffness. Despite its high prevalence in individuals over 50, there is a lack of evidence characterizing awareness or understanding of PMR among public health professionals (PHPs), defined as individuals working in disease diagnosis and treatment, health promotion, disease prevention, and health policy. This study assessed PHPs’ familiarity with PMR and their knowledge across key clinical domains.

Methods: A cross-sectional knowledge assessment was administered to PHPs using convenience sampling via social media platforms and targeted outreach via the American Public Health Association email list. Participants were screened for prior familiarity of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) or familiarity with the hallmark symptoms of PMR. Those reporting familiarity were directed to complete a 31-item multiple-choice knowledge assessment across six domains: definition and etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, treatment risks and prognosis, and patient satisfaction and reported outcomes. Those with no familiarity were excluded from the assessment to prevent bias but were included in descriptive reporting of awareness levels. Survey items were developed from a systematic literature review and validated by subject matter experts. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate mean scores and domain specific accuracy rates (Figure 1). Only fully completed responses from self-identified PHPs were analyzed. Duplicate entries were removed based on IP address, timestamps, and demographic data.

Results: Of 920 respondents asked about PMR, 289 (31.4%) reported prior awareness, while 631 (68.6%) had not heard of it or were unsure (Table 1). Among those not aware or unsure, 276 (43.7%) recognized a condition with symptoms consistent with PMR. In total, 565 participants familiar with PMR or its symptoms were invited to complete the full knowledge assessment; 417 provided complete responses and were included in the analysis. The average knowledge score was 64.7% (SD: 13.1%), with only 12.2% scoring 80% or higher. The largest knowledge gaps were in epidemiology, which had the lowest average score (30.7%); only 18.2% correctly identified estimated PMR prevalence, and 12.7% knew its estimated annual incidence. In the treatment domain, the mean score was 61.6% with 57.5% not knowing the proportion of patients who continue to experience symptoms with treatment, 50.9% not knowing appropriate visit frequency, and only 44.4% of respondents correctly identifying the first-line treatment for PMR.

Conclusion: Fewer than 40% of PHPs were familiar with PMR by name, and those with prior awareness showed notable gaps in epidemiology and treatment knowledge. Limited understanding of PMR’s prevalence, diagnosis, and management among PHPs may contribute to under-recognition and delayed diagnosis. These findings underscore the need for targeted education to support earlier diagnosis, effective treatment, and better patient outcomes.

Figure 1: Average Score % (SD) by Survey Domain

Table 1: PMR Familiarity and Knowledge Assessment Participation Overview

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ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/evaluating-familiarity-and-knowledge-gaps-in-polymyalgia-rheumatica-among-public-health-professionals/