Activity limitations and participation restrictions in elderly with arthritis, and prevalence of associated comorbidities: Findings from the National Health and Ageing Trends Study (NHATS)

Introduction and Aims: Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States. Arthritic pain is associated with increased anxiety and depression impacting everyday functioning (ADL/IADL) and participation of elderly in society. We aim to: (a) study prevalence of pain, depression and anxiety in arthritic elderly; and (b) compare activity limitations and participation restrictions and results from (a) with non-arthritic elderly.

Material and Methods: National Health and Aging Trends Study, 2011 (N=8245) data was analyzed. Self-reported measures included: pain (bothered by pain, pain ever limits activity and frequency of using pain medication in last month), anxiety (PHQ-2) and depression (GAD-2), activity limitations (self-care, mobility and house-hold activities: ADL/IADL), and participation restrictions (socializing, going out, caring for others, volunteering, and group and religious activities).

Results: 51.52% (4248) had arthritis, of which 69.7% (2961) had pain, 60.8% (1800) were limited by pain and 50.6% (2376) took pain medication. 42.7% (1804) had little interest or pleasure in doing things, 36.8% (1556) felt down, depressed and hopeless, 42.9% (1814) were nervous or anxious and 33.5% (1422) were unable to stop worrying. Activity limitations and participation restrictions were significantly greater (p<0.05) in elderly with arthritis for all measures, except in caring for others. Pain, anxiety and depression were also significantly higher (p<0.05) in elderly with arthritis than non-arthritis.

Conclusions: Arthritis imposes significant limitations in ADL/IADL, and participation restrictions in society than non-arthritic elderly. Moreover, prevalence of anxiety and depression in elderly are higher than the general U.S. arthritis population (31% and 18% respectively).