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OA, RA similarly disabling, impact health-related quality of life
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Patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis had similar levels of disability health-related quality of life, according to researchers at the University of North Carolina.
The researchers recruited patients identified through the Information Networks for Osteoarthritis Resources and Medications (INFORM) program, an online survey database. Patients accessed the database between May 2010 and January 2011. After screening, 308 patients were included; 149 with osteoarthritis (OA) and 159 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
The average age of patients with OA was 60 years compared with 53 years in patients with RA. Most patients were women (80%) and white (80%), and almost half (49%) reported having a comorbidity. Of those, 58% had one comorbidity, 25% had two, 11% had three and the rest had four or five comorbidities. The most frequently reported comorbidities were hypertension, diabetes and cancer.
Health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) was assessed using the SF-12v2, a self-administered questionnaire designed to assess perceptions about physical and social functioning, role limitations due to health or emotional problems, body pain, mental and general health and vitality. Scores were compared with U.S. averages calculated between 2005 and 2006.
Both groups of patients had significantly lower scores than the U.S. general population. Logistical regression analysis showed that the odds of having a below average HR-QoL score was 2.4 times higher in patients with OA vs. those with RA. The differences remained after controlling for age and gender, according to the researchers.
The presence of comorbidities was shown to be a risk factor for poorer HR-QoL, with every additional comorbid condition associated with a decrease in PCS score by 2.22 and in MCS scores by 0.68. Age was also significantly associated with MCS scores, according to the researchers. - by Shirley Pulawski
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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