Factors Influencing Quality of Life Among Older Persons Living With Osteoarthritis Using 3 Different Definitions

Aim: While the impact of osteoarthritis (OA) on the older person's quality of life (QoL) has been established, the associations are complicated by numerous potential mediators and variations in diagnostic criteria. This study was conducted to explore the relationship between OA and QoL and the influence of physical performance, symptoms severity, and psychological factors on this potential relationship using 3 different methods of identification of OA. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from the Malaysian Falls Assessment and Intervention Trial study. Radiological OA (ROA), clinical OA (COA), or self-reported physician-diagnosed OA (SOA) was determined using established criteria. Quality of life was measured with the 19-item Control, Autonomy, Self-Realization and Pleasure (CASP-19) questionnaire. Results: Of 370 participants (219 fallers, 151 nonfallers), mean (SD) age = 73.71 (6.57) years, COA (odds ratio [OR] 95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.38 [0.64-2.94]) and SOA (1.84 [1.19-2.84]) were associated with CASP-19 of 47 and less but not ROA. The association between SOA and CASP-19 of 47 and less was attenuated by physical performance while COA was no longer associated with CASP-19 of 47 and less after adjustment for psychological status. Conclusion: Our findings hold important clues to unraveling factors that influence QoL in older adults with OA and will inform future intervention studies aimed at reducing the burden of OA among older adults.