News

A new three-year study of arthritis will work to reduce disabilities and improve the overall health and quality of life for Hispanics in Oregon. The study, "Arthritis Among Hispanics in Oregon: Developing Community Solutions," is being conducted by Portland State University's Institute on Aging and funded by a $461,000 grant from the Northwest Health Foundation.

The study will target challenges Hispanics face in coping with arthritis, with a specific focus on residents in Marion, Polk, Washington, and Yamhill counties. Through interviews, surveys, and focus groups, researchers will build a database on the characteristics of, beliefs about, and treatment behaviors related to arthritis among Oregon's Hispanic community. Using that data and working with community partners, PSU researchers will then develop effective and culturally appropriate strategies to combat arthritis.

Community partners for the project include Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, Salud Services of Tuality Healthcare, the Susanna Maria Gurule Foundation, Northwest Senior and Disability Services, Oregon Department of Human Services, Oregon Rheumatology Alliance, Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services, and the National Arthritis Foundation.