Prevalence and associations of hand pain in the community: results from a population-based study

To assess the prevalence and associations of hand symptoms in a community setting.

The North West Adelaide Health Study (NWAHS) is a longitudinal cohort study of people aged ≥ 18 years. Analysis was performed in participants who completed a telephone interview, a quality of life questionnaire [the 36-item short-form health survey, (SF-36)], and the Australian/Canadian (AUSCAN) Osteoarthritis (OA) Hand Index, and underwent grip strength measurement.

Overall, 477 (13.7%) reported hand pain, aching, or stiffness. Of these, 169 (35.8%) had been diagnosed with hand arthritis. Women were more likely to have hand symptoms than men, as were those aged ≥ 50 years (p < 0.001). Hand symptoms were associated with lower quality of life scores (p < 0.05). Participants with hand arthritis had more severe pain, stiffness, and poorer physical functioning as reflected by higher AUSCAN scores. Grip strength was reduced in those with hand symptoms and hand arthritis (p < 0.05) and inversely associated with mean AUSCAN subscores and SF-36 physical functioning scores (p < 0.001).

Hand symptoms were present in 14% of the population and were more common in women and those aged ≥ 50 years. Hand symptoms were associated with reduced grip strength and reduced quality of life. Hand arthritis was associated with higher AUSCAN scores. Hand symptoms and hand arthritis have a significant impact on physical functioning and quality of life.