A comparative study of outcome in myositis and other musculoskeletal disorders assessed using the Nottingham Health Profile

Objective This study evaluated the comparative impact of myositis and other musculoskeletal disorders on general health using the Nottingham health pr ofile (NHP) as a generic measure of health status. Methods A prospective observational study of 113 females with myositis, 142 females with rheumatoid arthritis, 45 females with spinal osteoporosis and 96 females with knee osteoarthritis. Results All mean NHP section scores were higher in myositis and other muscu loskeletal disorders compared to population mean values. Section scores for energy and social isolation were high in myositis compared to all other di sorders. Scores for physical disability in myositis were similar to RA. Pai n scores were higher in RA and OA compared to myositis. Backwards linear re gression models explained 26-42% of the variation in energy and social isol ation scores. Emotion and physical section scores were the major determinan ts and the pattern was similar in all disorders. Disease duration and age h ad little effect. Conclusions Myositis is not simply a disease with physical problems bur has wide ranging effects on social and emotional well being. Until disease-spe cific instruments are available, a generic measure like the NHP can be used to assess problems other than muscle pain and loss of strength.