Tackling the Burden of Osteoarthritis as a Health Care Opportunity in Indigenous Communities—A Call to Action

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is a highly prevalent and disabling disease, causing a significant individual and socioeconomic burden worldwide. Until now, there has been a dearth of research exploring the impact of osteoarthritis in global Indigenous communities. Osteoarthritis has a similar risk factor profile to many chronic diseases that disproportionately affect Indigenous peoples. In this editorial, we argue that osteoarthritis and associated mobility restrictions play a central role in the chronic disease profile of Indigenous peoples. We present a call to action for clinicians and health care providers, researchers and policymakers to begin to recognise the interrelated nature of osteoarthritis and chronic disease. We have an opportunity to change the way we do business, to improve access to culturally secure osteoarthritis care and the health and wellbeing of Indigenous communities.

Keywords

• osteoarthritis
• Indigenous health
• chronic disease