A new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
(AIHW) reveals that arthritis and osteoporosis are the most common
causes of disability in Australia and contribute to a wide range of
physical and functional impairments that affect quality of
life.
Arthritis reduces mobility of joints and is a source of much
pain and body stiffness. 'It can limit carrying out daily living
activities, working, or the ability to participate in social
activities,' said Dr Kuldeep Bhatia, Head of the National Centre
for Monitoring Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Conditions located at
the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
It is estimated that almost 3 million Australians (16%) have
arthritis or a related disorder, such as gout, and almost 586,000
Australians (3%) have been diagnosed with osteoporosis.
The report, Impairments and disability associated with
arthritis and osteoporosis, shows that in 2003, arthritis was
the main disabling condition for 546,000 Australians aged 35 years
or over, while osteoporosis was the main source of disability for
another 50,000 persons. A large proportion of these (around 265,000
persons) were of working age (35--64 years).
Almost 172,000 people with arthritis-associated disability and
10,000 with osteoporosis-associated disability have limitations
relating to employment -- for example, restrictions on what type of
job they can undertake, problems in changing jobs or difficulty in
getting a preferred job.
More than 30% of people with arthritis-associated disability and
almost 45% of people with osteoporosis-associated disability report
profound or severe core activity restrictions, thus needing
assistance with basic activities of daily living.
'Half of those people with arthritis-associated disability
report problems in gripping or holding things, and experience
difficulty with writing, turning taps or doorknobs, opening bottles
and jars, preparing and eating meals, and brushing teeth and hair,'
said Dr Naila Rahman, principal author of the report.
Almost two-thirds of people with osteoporosis-associated
disability require assistance when using public transport and 40%
require assistance with mobility outside their own home, which can
reduce social participation and affect the ability to undertake
everyday activities such as shopping or getting to
appointments.
The quality of life of people with disability can be improved
through modifications to the home and, occupational modifications
and help from family members -- all of which can greatly reduce the
impact of disability, allowing the person to maintain a level of
independence.
7 September 2007
Further information: Dr Naila Rahman, AIHW,
tel. 61 2 6244 1057, mob. 0407 915 851.
For media copies of the report: Publications
Officer, AIHW, tel. 61 2 6244 1032.
Availability: Check the AIHW Publications
Catalogue for availability of the Impairments and
disability associated with arthritis and osteoporosis.