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Community awareness of childhood arthritis in the UK
Richard P Beesley1,2, Rebecca M Beesley1
1Juvenile Arthritis Research, Tonbridge, UK.
Insights
Public awareness of childhood arthritis in the UK is low. Many adults incorrectly believe arthritis only affects older individuals, with lower awareness among minority ethnic groups.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Public Health
- Social Science Research
Background:
- Arthritis affects millions globally, with various forms impacting individuals of all ages.
- Limited public understanding exists regarding the prevalence and early onset of arthritis in children and young people.
- Raising awareness is crucial for early diagnosis and management of pediatric arthritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess community awareness in the UK regarding the possibility of arthritis developing in children and young people.
- To identify demographic factors influencing awareness levels of childhood arthritis.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was conducted with a representative sample of 2044 UK adults (aged 16-75).
- Participants were surveyed on their perceptions of the earliest age of arthritis onset and the veracity of arthritis-related statements.
- Data were collected between February 10-13, 2023, and weighted to reflect UK population demographics.
Main Results:
- Only 19% of respondents were aware that children under 5 can develop arthritis.
- 40% of participants believed arthritis could begin before age 16, a belief more common among those with personal or familial experience with arthritis.
- Awareness varied by gender and ethnicity; males and minority ethnic groups showed lower awareness and were more prone to misconceptions.
Conclusions:
- Community awareness of childhood arthritis in the UK is significantly low.
- Awareness is particularly diminished among minority ethnic groups, necessitating further investigation.
- Targeted interventions and awareness campaigns are essential to address these knowledge gaps and improve understanding of pediatric arthritis.
Objective:
The aim was to measure the level of community awareness in the UK that children and young people can develop arthritis.
Methods:
An online survey of a representative quota sample of 2044 adults aged 16-75 years in the UK was conducted between 10 and 13 February 2023 by Ipsos UK, a leading social and market research organization, with participants giving informed consent before taking part. Participants were asked which age band they thought is the earliest that someone can get arthritis. They were also asked whether a series of statements about arthritis were true or false, in addition to a series of demographic questions. Data were weighted to the known population proportions for adults aged 16-75 years in the UK.
Results:
Overall, 40% of respondents indicated they believed the earliest that someone could get arthritis was <16 years of age. This was higher amongst respondents with arthritis themselves or if they knew someone with arthritis. Only 19% of respondents were aware that children <5 years of age can get arthritis. This varied by gender and ethnicity (males and minority ethnic groups were less likely to be aware). Minority ethnic groups were also more likely to believe a series of incorrect assumptions to be true.
Conclusion:
Awareness that children and young people can get arthritis is low, and it is lower amongst minority ethnic groups. Further research to understand this is important, to enable targeted interventions and awareness-raising resources to be developed and applied as appropriate.
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