An important and exciting medical study of Arthritis, The Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project is sponsored by:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• National Institutes of Health
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Rural Health Research Center of Johnston County

The project studies Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee in Johnston County. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, especially after age 45. It is more common and more likely to be painful and cause disability in rural southerners.

• What causes osteoarthritis
• Why some people develop pain and disability from osteoarthritis
• How to prevent osteoarthritis
• How best to help those who have it already

3,200 men and women from Kenly, Princeton, Selma, Smithfield, Clayton, and Benson have already joined the study.

1,500 more men and women 45 years and older from these townships will be randomly selected and invited to participate.

First, we will conduct a general health interview in your home of about 60 minutes.

Next, you will be invited to our clinic site in Smithfield for an examination at NO COST to you.

The exam takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and includes the following:

• Blood pressure measurement
• Measurement of height and weight
• X-rays of the hips, knees, hands, and back
• Physical exam of the hips, knees, and hands
• Blood test to measure cholesterol
• Bone density testing

After the initial examination, we will conduct a home interview about your any health issues that may exist. The examination will be repeated in 5 years.

All the information given by participants is strictly confidential and is used only for statistical research purposes. Your name will be removed from all documents before any analyses are done. With your authorization only, this information may be released to your doctor.

You will be compensated for the time you spend completing these visits.

You and your doctor can receive important information about your blood pressure, cholesterol level, and bone density.

You will receive a thorough examination and x-rays of the knees, hips, hands, and back.

The examination will be safe, painless and free of charge.

You will make an important contribution to medical knowledge about osteoarthritis, an often serious and painful condition which affects middle-aged and elderly people.

Your participation will not interfere with your present medical care.

For more information, please call (919)966-0878.
If you live in Johnston County, please phone (919) 934-1295.