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Abstract

BackgroundHealth-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a key outcome in arthritis, but few population-based studies have examined the relationship of specific arthritic conditions, such as osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with HRQOL.MethodsOlder adults in Pennsylvania completed a mail version of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) HRQOL modules. Medicare data were used to identify subjects with OA, RA, and no arthritis diagnosis. We compared HRQOL responses among these groups, and we also examined relationships of demographic characteristics to HRQOL among subjects with arthritis.ResultsIn analyses controlling for demographic characteristics and comorbidity, subjects with OA and RA had poorer scores than those without arthritis on all HRQOL items, including general health, physical health, mental health, activity limitation, pain, sleep, and feeling healthy and full of energy. HRQOL scores were also lower for those with RA compared to OA. Among individuals with arthritis, all subject characteristics (including age, race, sex, nursing home residence, marital status, income, and comorbid illnesses) were significantly related to at least one HRQOL item. Older age, nursing home residence, and greater comorbidity were the most consistently associated with poorer HRQOL.ConclusionsResults of this study show that both OA and RA have a significant impact on multiple dimensions of HRQOL among older adults. Results also suggest the CDC HRQOL items are suitable for use among older adults and in mail surveys. Due to the rising number of older adults in many countries, the public health burden of arthritis is expected to increase dramatically. Efforts are needed to enhance access to medical care and disseminate self-management interventions for arthritis.

Incidence, Prevalence, Costs, and Impact on Disability of Common Conditions Requiring Rehabilitation in the United States: Stroke, Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Limb Loss, and Back Pain

“…People with rheumatoid arthritis are 30% more likely to need help with personal care and are limited in daily activities at twice the rate of disease-free individuals. 26 One study followed employees with early-stage rheumatoid arthritis, and found a 39% prevalence of work disability after 10 years. 27 …”

A Comprehensive Review of the Effectiveness of Different Exercise Programs for Patients with Osteoarthritis

“…1 Osteoarthritis is associated with significant pain, and it limits mobility, basic daily activities, and quality of life. 2–4 According to data from 2003 to 2005, at least 27 million Americans have OA. 5 Over the next few decades, substantial rises are expected in the incidence, health impact, and economic consequences of OA, largely due to the aging of the US population and the obesity epidemic, 6,7 because older age and excess body weight are both well-recognized risk factors for the development of OA, especially knee OA.…”

Rehabilitation for the management of knee osteoarthritis using comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine in community health centers: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) increases in prevalence with age and causes pain, loss of functional independence and psychological impairment, and reduces the overall quality of life of affected individuals [1-3]. Based on epidemiological results, the incidence rate of osteoarthritis in the Chinese population is approximately 10% and the number of patients with KOA is greater than 50 million [4].…”