Deprived communities are at a greater risk of conditions like arthritis a charity has revealed ahead of World Arthritis Day.
Versus Arthritis is calling for greater support and a better understanding of the condition in terms of the places where people live, meet and interact – including how they access and use information about support and care.
The charity stated that musculoskeletal conditions are more common in areas of greater poverty and with Scotland facing some of the worst health inequalities in Europe “the challenge is to ensure that care and support across the country is equitable and meets the needs of people locally”.
One in three Scots are affected by MSK conditions like arthritis which will remain one of the leading causes of disease and injury in Scotland over the next 20 years.
Arthritis is often debilitating, isolating and can dramatically impact people’s quality of life.
In fact, those with arthritis are 20% less likely to be in work and around one in five people with arthritis experiences anxiety and depression.
The impact can also be felt by businesses, as MSK conditions are the third most common cause of sickness absence, with over 20 million working days lost per year.
The charity is marking World Arthritis Day today (Saturday) with a call for greater community-based support for children, young people and adults living with arthritis.
Versus Arthritis has published the report, Putting the Pieces Together in Drumchapel, which shows how tackling MSK conditions is about “more than just healthcare” and that support within and by communities is vital in improving the lives of Scots living with arthritis.
Drumchapel has high levels of deprivation and associated health problems – and where there are gaps in supporting people with arthritis.
But crucially, according to the report, it is also an area of mutual support, community organisation, partnership and networks. There are opportunities to make a real difference.
Alan McGinley, Policy and Engagement Manager Scotland, said: “This Versus Arthritis report highlights that ‘softer services’, such as community and peer support groups, matter greatly, and that alternatives to formal care that support wellbeing are important in living well with arthritis.
“That is why Versus Arthritis is calling for a ‘whole community’ approach in looking after the wellbeing and health of those with MSK conditions.
“We firmly believe that by ensuring our healthcare services are understood in the context of community networks and support, we can build a future where people with arthritis can live the lives they choose.”