Rheumatology Care Among Indigenous Populations

Indigenous populations have rich traditional care systems but have endured complex interactions with colonial states, and the resulting sociopolitical disparities continue to affect their health outcomes. In this article, the epidemiology and disease burden of rheumatic diseases affecting global Indigenous populations are discussed, along with a presentation of how determinant factors influence the existing landscape for arthritis care delivery. This article proposes how rheumatology care providers can deliver services aligned with Indigenous world views and realities to improve care quality. It also provides examples of community-driven interventions that have advanced outcomes for Indigenous peoples living with arthritis conditions.