Arthritis UK partners with Professor Sir Michael Marmot to tackle health inequalities

Arthritis UK partners with Professor Sir Michael Marmot and the Institute of Health Equity to explore arthritis health inequalities  

Arthritis UK is partnering with Professor Sir Michael Marmot and the Institute of Health Equity at University College London (UCL) to better understand the links between health inequalities and arthritis and other musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.  

There are over 20 million people across the UK living with arthritis or another MSK condition, yet the impact of these conditions is not felt equally. Social factors such as income, employment, housing, education and access to healthcare (the social determinants of health) can all influence a person’s risk of developing arthritis, how they experience the condition and the support they receive. Equally, MSK conditions may also contribute to these social factors for example by pushing up the risk of poverty in later life as people are forced to leave work early because of their health. 

To tackle these inequalities, we first need to understand what is driving them. That is why we have commissioned the Institute of Health Equity to examine these relationships through a targeted musculoskeletal-specific lens to better understand how social, economic and environmental factors shape MSK health and are shaped by it. 

The Institute of Health Equity, led by Professor Sir Michael Marmot, is internationally recognised for its pioneering research into the social determinants of health. Its work has transformed understanding of how the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age affect health outcomes. 

Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive at Arthritis UK, said: 

“It is a privilege to be working with Professor Sir Michael Marmot and his team at the Institute of Health Equity on this important project. This partnership will deepen our understanding of the scale and impact of health inequalities and strengthen our work to address them.” 

“Anyone can develop arthritis, but everyone’s experience is different, often because of unavoidable social factors. This can lead to health inequalities which can have a profound impact on millions of people living with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. By better understanding how these social determinants affect health, we can target action where it is needed most, building on Arthritis UK’s ongoing commitment to support all people living with these often-debilitating conditions and ending the inequities of a postcode lottery of support and care.” 

Sir Michael Marmot, Professor of Epidemiology at UCL since 1985, author of two world-leading health inequity reviews, has been indispensable to thousands of local communities globally by putting health equity into action through evidence-based research.  

Professor Sir Michael Marmot said: 

“We are delighted to be partnering with Arthritis UK on this important programme of work. In the UK, more than 20 million people live with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, including arthritis, yet the risk of developing these conditions and the ability to access timely support, is strongly shaped by the social determinants of health, including good work and decent income. 

“By exploring these links and with the input of an expert advisory board, the programme will generate new insights into the drivers of inequality in MSK health and identify action required to address them. We hope this will provide a strong evidence base for Government to improve health outcomes, reduce inequalities, and support people to live healthier lives.” 

Professor Sir Michael Marmot and the Institute of Health Equity will work alongside Arthritis UK and an expert advisory board throughout the project, ensuring the research reflects the experiences of people living with arthritis. 

This project is expected to conclude in 2027, with findings helping shape future policy, research and advocacy aimed at reducing health inequalities across the UK.