CAPP assess the burden and monitors trends in the impact of arthritis in California using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). BRFSS is a random digit dial telephone survey that asks Californians a variety of health behavior questions. Arthritis questions are asked on the survey in odd-numbered years. To supplement this information, CAPP also funds an optional arthritis management module in odd-numbered years.  To download a copy of the Arthritis Fact Sheet, click here.

Geographic Information System

With CDC support, CAPP is leveraging the power of technology to ensure that self-management and physical activity programs are available in the most advantageous locations to reach people with arthritis. On a quarterly basis, data is collected and reported that identifies the location of arthritis programs, the number of available classes, and the number of participants per class (new and repeating). Annually, this data is used to create a statewide directory of arthritis programs and CAPP inputs that data into a Geographic Information System (GIS). GIS is computer software that combines layers of information and links it to a location to provide a better visual understanding of that location. Using GIS, CAPP is able to analyze the distribution of demographics, key transportation routes, and any other indicators of interest to improve the reach of arthritis self-management and physical activity programs in California.
To view the web-based GIS system, download the viewing software located at www.calarthitis.com and then register with the site.

The attached Calarthritis GIS Tutorial is provided to develop the skills necessary to use Calarthritis GIS. At the end of the tutorial, you will be able to use the GIS to answer important questions such as:

• What is the demographic distribution in your outreach area? Does it match your target population?
• In your outreach area, how many different types of healthcare agencies are there?

California Arthritis Partnership Program (CAPP)
Pamela Ford-Keach, M.S., Chief
Post Office Box 997413
Mail Station 7210
Sacramento, CA 95899-7413
Phone (916) 552-9916
Fax (916) 522-9910
Internet: www.dhs.ca.gov/arthritis

Homepage      Feedback