A survey of arthritis sufferers indicates women feel they receive less support than their spouses and co-workers offer more support than family members.

The survey came from Flexcin International, Inc., Fort Myers, FL, manufacturer of degenerative joint supplements for people and pets. The report coincides with 2011 National Arthritis Awareness Month in May.

A proceeds sponsor of the Arthritis Foundation, Flexcin sought to understand the level of awareness and support from the network of friends and family of someone living with arthritis. The company’s research division conducted a national online survey throughout April and received responses from 1350 people who all have some form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus or other joint-related pain, illness or disability. Information and feedback from the survey will be used to develop future communications and outreach programs for people with a form of arthritis.

Notable highlights of the survey results:

• In households where only one spouse has a form of arthritis, 78.3% of women feel they receive little or no support; 65.6% of men said they are satisfied with support.

• More than half of respondents still working (56.3%) said they feel co-workers offer a higher level of support and overall awareness compared to that of family members.

• 67.4% of respondents said other members of the household are never aware of their arthritis or just sometimes.

• 64.4% of respondents said others in the household never take an interest in their daily issues with arthritis, or just every now and then.

• Majority of respondents (58.4%) said their arthritis hurts the most when cleaning and doing household chores.

“Flexcin believes a strong support network can significantly help a person coping with degenerative joints,” said Tamer Elsafy, CEO and founder of Flexcin International. “It’s important for other people to be aware of certain issues arthritis sufferers deal with on a day-to-day basis to increase the amount of support offered.”