Factors Associated With Functional Decline in Hand and Hip/Knee Osteoarthritis After One Year: Data From a...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Rheumatology
• Public Health

Background:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent condition in elderly individuals, often leading to pain and functional limitations.
• Understanding factors contributing to functional decline in older adults with OA is crucial for developing targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify baseline factors that predict functional decline in elderly individuals with hand or hip/knee osteoarthritis over a 12-18 month period.
• To explore the interplay between OA, pain, medication use, and other comorbidities in relation to functional outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from 1,886 individuals aged 65-85 years in a prospective, population-based study (European Project on Osteoarthritis).
• Assessment of self-reported functional decline using validated indices for hand and hip/knee OA.
• Regression models adjusted for demographic, clinical, and social factors to identify risk predictors.

Main Results:

• Hand OA, anxiety, reduced walking time, and lower grip strength were identified as risk factors for hand functional decline.
• Pain acted as a confounder for the association between hand OA and functional decline.
• Analgesic/antiinflammatory medication use mediated the effect of hip/knee OA and pain on functional decline; peripheral artery disease, obesity, and cognitive impairment were also significant risk factors.

Conclusions:

• Osteoarthritis, in conjunction with emotional status, chronic physical conditions, and cognitive impairment, significantly contributes to functional decline in the elderly.
• These findings highlight the multifactorial nature of functional decline in older adults with OA and underscore the importance of a holistic assessment.