P059 Insights across conditions: experiences of diagnosis, treatment and living well with arthritis from a large UK-wide survey

Versus Arthritis is the UK’s largest charity dedicated to supporting people with arthritis. In this work, we aimed to gather quantitative data through a UK-wide survey to give a broad view of the perspectives of people with any type of arthritis condition(s). This included people who may not have engaged with healthcare systems in relation to their arthritis, or those yet to receive a formal diagnosis. Our work aims to explore both the differences and similarities in experiences across this population. A more detailed understanding of the experience of those with arthritis is crucial to identifying inequalities between groups.

Between June-August 2024, we commissioned YouGov to run a 15-minute online survey of adults living with arthritis in the United Kingdom, gathering insights into the experiences of getting a diagnosis, treatment and living with arthritis. The sample was recruited via YouGov’s population panel, with additional participants recruited via Versus Arthritis’ networks and advertising. This was a charity-led study using a self-referred anonymous questionnaire, and the NHS REC online tool confirms NHS ethical approval was not required. Participant consent was obtained and data are presented following best practice to ensure participants are non-identifiable.

All analysis was undertaken by Versus Arthritis. After applying weighting, there were 7,928 respondents to the survey. 5,888 were recruited via YouGov’s panel and 2,040 from Versus Arthritis’ networks. The weighted sample was 59% (4,655) female, with an age breakdown of: 3% (238) aged 18-44, 48% (3,816) aged 45-64, and 49% (3,875) over 65. 84% lived in England (6,653), 8.5% in Scotland (673), 4.8% (380) in Wales and 2.8% (222) in Northern Ireland. In terms of arthritis conditions among respondents, 86% (6,783) reported osteoarthritis, 8% (664) rheumatoid arthritis, 4% (313) psoriatic arthritis, and 7% (594) gout or calcium crystal diseases. 3% (272) reported another arthritis condition and 9% (695) reported having an arthritis condition but did not know which condition it was. 1,525 people (16%) reported having more than one arthritis condition; of which 238 people have three or more arthritis conditions.

The data have been weighted by age, gender and type of arthritis condition to ensure a representative spread of people with arthritis in the UK. Further analysis is being undertaken of these data and we will describe and compare experiences by condition and demographics. We will consider both experiences of interacting with healthcare services alongside a wider view of the impact of arthritis on people’s lives. Funding: This survey was funded by Versus Arthritis.

V. Arno: None. M. Li: None. K. Hodgson: None.