Factors associated with social participation and community ambulation in people with osteoarthritis: Findings from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

Abstract

Aim: Walking in the community allows participation in meaningful activities which positively influences self-rated health and quality of life. Our objective was to identify factors associated with social participation and community ambulation in a representative sample of Canadian adults with osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Data were from >3800 participants in the Baseline Tracking Dataset of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging with OA of the hip and/or knee. Outcomes included frequency of participation in 8 community-based activities (past year, social participation), and frequency walking outside the home (past 7 days, community ambulation). Explanatory variables (15 for social participation, 11 for community ambulation) established in previous literature were evaluated. Variables significant in univariate binary logistic regression models were entered into multivariable models.Results: Frequency of social participation was greater for females, and individuals with higher levels of education. Those who were younger, dissatisfied with life, and had difficulty walking 2-3 blocks were less likely to participate. Having fewer chronic conditions, being younger, being single/widowed and being interviewed in spring/ summer were associated with more frequent ambulation. Lower self-rated health, difficulty walking 2-3 blocks, pain and being female were associated with less frequent walking outside the home. Conclusion:Many factors influence frequency of social participation and community ambulation. The ability to walk short distances is positively associated with both outcomes. This important factor can and should be addressed clinically to improve health and quality of life in people with OA.

Community ambulation in older adults and people with OA – a model verification using Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) data

“…Compared to men, women with OA report greater difficulty with activities such as climbing up and down stairs and walking 500 m without walking aids [ 70 ], and as age increases, women with arthritis report higher walking limitations than men [ 16 ]. Additionally, using the Tracking cohort of the CLSA (distinct from the cohort in the current study), it was also found that Canadian adults with OA of the lower extremity, aged 45 and over, were less likely to walk outside their home and yard if they were female [ 24 ].…”

“…For individuals with OA, various factors to date have also been associated with community ambulation, such as: neighbourhood safety [ 23 ], knee pain severity, comorbidities, degree of walking limitation, perceived need for walking aids and assistance, and access to a car/public transportation [ 13 ]. Canadian adults age 45 and over with OA of the lower extremity are less likely to walk in the community if they have lower endurance, lower self-rated health, severe pain, and are female; and more likely to walk outside if they have fewer chronic health conditions, the weather is warmer, and if they are younger [ 24 ].…”

Social activity, physical exercise, and health‐related quality of life among people with osteoarthritis in Canada

“…We have read the recent cross-sectional study by Webber et al 1 with great interest, which examined the factors that impacted the frequency of social participation and community ambulation among patients with osteoarthritis (OA). The statistical power and the degree of reliability were ensured by the utilization of a populationbased database.…”