Shoulder joint impairment among Finns aged 30 years or over: prevalence, risk factors and co-morbidity

Objectives. To describe the prevalence, risk factors and consequences of sh oulder joint impairment in the population. Methods. A representative sample (n = 7217) of the Finnish population aged greater than or equal to 30 yr participated in a health examination survey (the Mini-Finland Health Survey). The design of the survey allowed an indep endent assessment of disability, reported shoulder pain, shoulder joint imp airment and major chronic co-morbidity. Results. Shoulder impairment was observed in 8.8%, while pain was reported by 30%. The prevalence of shoulder pain decreased among the elderly, wherea s impairments increased up to 20% of those aged 75-80 yr. In addition to ag e, sex, previous injury to the shoulder joint and a history of physically h eavy work, diabetes was associated with shoulder impairment (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.1). Shoulder impairment was associated with disability (adjusted OR 2.0, CI 1.6-2.5). Conclusions. Shoulder impairment is an important component of ill health am ong the elderly, and cannot be reduced to reported pain alone.