THE CONTRIBUTION OF OSTEOARTHRITIS TO DISABILITY - PRELIMINARY DATA FROM THE WOMENS HEALTH AND AGING STUDY

Our objective was to examine the relationship of a self-reported physi cian diagnosis of arthritis with disability in elderly community dwell ing women. Data from a representative sample of 1541 women aged 65 and above were analyzed to determine the prevalence and associations of a self-reported physician diagosis of arthritis with other chronic cond itions and difficulty performing physical activities. A history of phy sician diagnosed arthritis was reported by 902 (58.5%) women. Women wi th arthritis were significantly more likely to report fair or poor per ceived health, as well as a physician diagnosis of angina, myocardial infarction, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, lung disease, and hearing and vision problems. After adjustment for age, race, education, marita l status, and comerbid/geriatric conditions, arthritis was significant ly associated with difficulty in the following 13 activities: raising arms, lifting less than or equal to 10 pounds, walking 2-3 blocks, bat hing or showering, climbing 10 steps, grasping, getting in or out of a bed or chair, dressing, using the toilet, preparing meals, doing pers onal shopping, heavy and light housework, We conclude that physician d iagnosed arthritis is a common problem among elderly community dwellin g women and is associated with difficulties in physical activity.