Methods used by urban, low-income minorities to care for their arthritis

The purpose of this study is to describe the current treatment methods minorities use and believe are effective in relieving the pain and discomfort of arthritis. One hundred sixty subjects from two urban, low-income minority communities reported to case finders that they had some form of arthritis. Subsequently they were interviewed and examined by a rheumatologist. Sixty-six percent were black, and 34% were Hispanic. The study found that 83% had some type of rheumatic disease. Differences existed between the black and Hispanic samples in age, rheumatic disease distribution, and methods of care. The majority of black respondents were older, with a frequent diagnoses of osteoarthritis, compared to the Hispanics, who reported fibrositis as their dominant rheumatic problem. An array of conventional and nonconventional therapies were used by both groups to care for their arthritis. Prayer (92%), equipment (70%), and heat (33%) were reported as "most helpful" for the blacks. Hispanics reported prayer (50%), heat (40%), and topical ointments as "most helpful." In order to communicate and provide optimal care to patients from divergent cultural backgrounds, it is important to understand both likenesses and differences, and to be sensitive to the patient's belief system and health care practices.