Open AccessHealth status, activity limitations, and disability in work and housework among Latinos and non‐Latinos with arthritis: An analysis of national data
Author(s) -
Abraídolanza Ana F.,
White Kellee,
Armbrister Adria N.,
Link Bruce G.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
arthritis care & research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.21981
Subject(s) - socioeconomic status , gerontology , confounding , medicine , ethnic group , health equity , national health interview survey , marital status , health care , environmental health , public health , population , pathology , nursing , sociology , anthropology , economics , economic growth
Objective To document disparities in health status, activity limitations, and disability in work and housework between Latinos and non‐Latino whites with arthritis. We examined whether sociodemographic factors (age, income, and education) account for the disparities between the ethnic groups, and whether comorbid conditions, disease duration, health care utilization, and functional abilities predict health status, activity limitations, and work and housework disability after controlling for sociodemographic variables. Methods We analyzed data from the Condition file of the 1994 National Health Interview Survey on Disability, Phase I. Results The risk of worse health, activity limitations, and work and housework disability was >2 times greater among Latinos compared with non‐Latino whites. In the regression models accounting for potential confounders, Latino ethnicity remained significantly associated with poorer health status, but not activity limitations or disability in work or housekeeping. Of the socioeconomic status variables, education had a significant protective effect on work disability and health status. Comorbid conditions and health care utilization increased the likelihood of worse health, activity limitations, and work disability. Limitations in physical function were associated with poorer health and disability in work and homemaking. Conclusion Social status differences between Latinos and non‐Latinos may account for disparities in activity limitations and disability in work and housework. Education may provide various health benefits, including access to a range of occupations that do not require physical demands. The findings help to address the great gap in knowledge concerning factors related to the health and disability status of Latinos with arthritis.