Perceptions of Trained Leaders on Improving the Public Health Impact of Three Arthritis Foundation Programs

Abstract

The Arthritis Foundation (AF) offers effective community-based programs to help manage arthritis, including aquatic, exercise, and self-help programs. Trained leaders can facilitate the adoption, maintenance, and reach of these programs and thus the impact on public health. This study identifies reasons for becoming AF aquatic, exercise, and/or self-help program leaders, AF program reach, and adoption and maintenance challenges encountered by individuals after being trained. Researchers interviewed by telephone 72 participants who attended an AF leader training workshop. Participants reported various reasons for becoming program leaders (e.g., a wish to help others). AF programs were mainly adopted and maintained in urban communities and in fitness/ health clubs, medical centers, or senior centers. Aquatics programs were the most frequently offered, and all programs had low reach (with a mean number of participants of 14.41, 12.50, and 11.00 for aquatic programs, exercise programs, and self-help programs, respectively. Challenges to adopting and maintaining programs include the time of year (e.g., winter, holidays) and lack of a facility to offer the program.