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Prevalence and factors associated with rheumatic diseases and chronic joint symptoms in the elderly
Author(s) -
Falsarella Gláucia R,
Coimbra Ibsen B,
Barcelos Caroline C,
Costallat Lilian TL,
Carvalho Olga MF,
Coimbra Arlete MV
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
geriatrics and gerontology international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.823
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1447-0594
pISSN - 1444-1586
DOI - 10.1111/ggi.12052
Subject(s) - medicine , rheumatism , multivariate analysis , joint pain , body mass index , epidemiology , obesity , univariate analysis , anthropometry , physical therapy , population , environmental health
Aim In the elderly population, rheumatic conditions are major causes of pain that restrict participation in activities and mobility, and cause difficulties in the execution of self‐care tasks. The present study aimed to analyze the prevalence and factors associated with the self‐reported rheumatic diseases and chronic joint symptoms of the elderly. Methods This transversal epidemiological survey involved 2209 older adults (aged ≥60 years). The investigation included sociodemographic factors, anthropometrics, activities of daily living, chronic conditions, medication and quality of life. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were used for statistical procedures, P ≤ 0.05. Results The prevalence of rheumatism was 22.7%. Multivariate analysis showed that rheumatism was correlated with the following: female sex ( OR = 1.91), high income ( OR = 2.34), cardiovascular disease ( OR = 1.42), cataracts ( OR = 1.39), glucocorticoids ( OR = 5.24), other anti‐inflammatory medications ( OR = 2.24) and pain ( OR = 0.983). After adjusting for age and glucocorticoids, an association between cataracts and rheumatism was detected ( OR = 1.32). The prevalence of symptoms was 45.6%. Multivariate regression results for symptoms included the following: female sex ( OR = 1.40), body mass index ≥30.0 kg/m 2 ( OR = 3.31), functional capacity ( OR = 0.990), general health ( OR = 0.993) and pain ( OR = 0.981). After adjustment for age and glucocorticoids, an association between cataracts and symptoms was detected ( OR = 1.26). Conclusion There was a significant association of rheumatism and symptoms with women and high incomes. Obesity was associated with joint symptoms, which in turn were associated with an impaired quality of life. Cataracts and cardiovascular disease were associated with rheumatism. The identification of these characteristics in the elderly will contribute to a better understanding of this systemic disease and should be used to plan effective preventive measures. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 1043–1050.