Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Department

Biology

Additional Departmental Affiliation

Public Health

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic degenerative joint disease that results in joint pain and loss of joint function, and it is rising in prevalence alongside an aging population. OA has a complex etiology, with various biological, mechanical, and sociocultural factors affecting its acquisition and progression. Like most diseases, OA has a differential prevalence among populations; it is disproportionally more common in underserved communities, including rural areas. This thesis presents (1) a study comparing selected OA treatment type and patient travel time, (2) a study comparing OA comorbidity amount and rurality, and (3) a discussion of exploratory interdisciplinary methods in OA prevention and management. (1) Analysis showed patients with longer travel times and rural patients utilized no treatment and fewer types of treatment for hip OA compared to those with shorter travel times and urban patients. (2) Results also showed rural patients experience higher amounts of OA comorbidities than urban patients. These findings suggest the need to create stronger OA prevention and treatment infrastructure in rural areas. (3) The presented interdisciplinary methods also indicate that fully understanding OA causes and risk factors requires a biocultural, holistic lens incorporating lines of evidence across multiple fields.

Advisor(s) or Committee Chair

Natalie Mountjoy, Ph.D.

Disciplines

Anthropology | Biology | Public Health

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