A Faith-Based Arthritis Self-Help Program for Rural African Americans‪.‬

Abstract: This case study was designed to review the strategies for implementing an arthritis self-help curriculum into rural African American churches, using two nationally recognized prevention/self-help models. The study used a combination of two science-based prevention/intervention programs cooperatively in the anticipation of providing a culturally appropriate arthritis self-help program for older, rural faith-based African Americans population. The participating population was derived from five participating faith-based organizations within rural Jackson County Florida. A total of seventy-five participants completed one of the five six-week courses offered. Local community member teams trained by the National Arthritis Foundation conducted courses. The teams consisted of qualified church leaders trained to facilitate specific course materials to participating church or community members who have or are providing care for someone with arthritis. **********