Campaign Launched To Tackle 'Alarming Ignorance' About Rheumatoid Arthritis - Revealed In New Poll

A ComRes poll commissioned by the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) published today to co-inside with the launch of the '2009 Year of Rheumatoid Arthritis' campaign reveals alarming levels of ignorance about the disease.


62% of people polled thought that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was caused by the wear and tear of joints over time, exposing a worryingly common misconception about the disease. This figure was worst among young people aged 18-24 (75%).


NRAS revealed the results of the survey at the launch of the '2009 Year of Rheumatoid Arthritis'; a campaign to re-shape people's attitudes to RA and raise awareness about the disease.


RA is an autoimmune disease that is caused when a person's immune system starts attacking healthy joints, most commonly the hands, feet and wrists. Onset of RA can happen at any age. It is very different to osteoarthritis, which is when joints suffer wear and tear damage slowly over many years, most frequently affecting older people.


Commenting on the Poll's findings, NRAS Chief Executive, Ailsa Bosworth said,


"We did not expect the poll to reveal such alarming ignorance about RA and its symptoms. It is shocking how few people understand a condition which affects almost ??million people in the UK. It is especially worrying that young people know so little about RA because early diagnosis and treatment of the disease is vital to prevent joint damage and disability later in life."


73% of those aged 18-24 didn't know that RA is a systemic disease that can affect the whole body including organs such as the heart and lungs and increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.


The '2009 Year of RA' campaign aims to raise awareness about the condition especially among young people who may not recognise symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness as indicators of RA and seek advice from their GP. Furthermore, they are unlikely to be aware that lifestyle factors such as smoking increases their risk of developing RA.


Stephanie McCabe age 27 from Manchester, developed joint swelling, stiffness and pain when she was 22 years old but because no-one recognised these as symptoms of RA it took months before she was diagnosed and referred for treatment. The rapid progression of her RA lead to joint damage which she has since had surgery to correct. Speaking about the poll's findings, Stephanie said,



"If I, or my family and friends, had been aware of the symptoms of RA then I would have sought medical advice earlier because I would have known how quickly joint damage can occur when the disease is left untreated. The lack of awareness and understanding about RA revealed by this survey makes it harder for people living with the disease. People, especially young people, don't realise that on-set of RA can begin at any age and the severe impact it can have on your life. "















Launching the 'NRAS Year of RA', Chief Executive Ailsa Bosworth said,


"Throughout 2009, NRAS will be tackling commonly held misconceptions about RA by sharing the experiences of people, such as Stephanie, living with the disease. NRAS want to show how a better common understanding of the condition can help people live, work and manage their RA more effectively."


Theresa May MP, NRAS Patron, said,


"The NRAS team and their network of volunteers are committed to supporting people with RA and their families. However, the findings of this poll demonstrate that much needs to be done to raise awareness about the causes and symptoms of RA, especially among young people. The '2009 Year of RA' campaign aims to challenge and correct common misconceptions about RA to ensure that people experiencing symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness seek early treatment to prevent joint damage and disability later in life."


Notes


1. 2009: The Year of Rheumatoid Arthritis


- The NRAS '2009: Year of RA' campaign aims to challenge common misconceptions about RA through a series of events throughout 2009.


- Increased understanding of RA and its symptoms is crucial for people to recognise the symptoms of the disease and seek swift medical advice and treatment. RA can progress very rapidly therefore the earlier it is diagnosed and treated, the more likely it is that irreversible joint damage and disability can be avoided in the long term.


- Many young people are not aware that they can get RA or that life style factors, such as smoking, can increase their chances of getting the disease.


- RA can severely impact on a person's physical ability to work and do normal everyday tasks. This is made worse when employers and others have a low level of understanding about RA and the severe impact that it can have.


2. About NRAS


- The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) was launched in October 2001 and is now established as the campaigning voice in the UK for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis.


- NRAS provides a total one-stop-shop with support, information and advocacy for all people in the UK with RA, their carers and families.


- NRAS has a national volunteer network, a group of people with the disease who provide peer to peer support and provide additional resource to help NRAS in many different ways.


- For more information about NRAS and details on how to contact the NRAS volunteer network please go to rheumatoid.uk


3. About ComRes


ComRes interviewed 1013 GB adults by telephone between 6th March and 8th March 2009. Data was weighted to be representative demographically of all GB adults. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.

Source
National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society