June 2005

New survey uncovers significant impact of OA

A new national survey released today by the National Council on the Aging (NCOA) revealed surprising findings on the serious effects joint pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis (OA) have on the everyday lives and overall health of the millions of Americans with the debilitating disease.

Conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of NCOA, the survey found that respondents who gained weight due to their OA reported an average weight gain of 42 pounds since their diagnosis, which can be attributed in large part to their inability to exercise as much as desired, a feeling expressed by 75 percent of all respondents. Further, 82 percent of those who gained weight reported a decrease in self-esteem due to the weight gain. Loss of sleep was identified in the survey as another negative consequence of OA, with 37 percent of sufferers reporting two or more hours of sleep lost per night due to pain caused by OA.

Additional Study Findings

The survey also investigated the profound transformation in treatment trends among OA sufferers, finding that more than two in five (43 percent) of those who have previously used prescription medications have stopped using them. In addition, millions of OA sufferers are dissatisfied with their current treatments and are possibly under-treating or not treating their joint pain, according to the survey.

Compared to one year ago, higher percentages of OA patients aged 50-65 are pursuing other treatment options, such as relaxation techniques, physical therapy and herbs/natural remedies. However, they also feel their joint pain is less controlled (16 percent reported their pain was “not very controlled” in 2004 vs. 24 percent in 2005) and are more likely to report that their OA is severe (26 percent reported severe joint pain in 2004 vs. 35 percent in 2005). Three in four (75 percent) patients are interested in more aggressive treatments for their OA.

Given the clear and immediate need to provide OA sufferers with more information regarding the effective treatment of their joint pain and immobility, NCOA is partnering with the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON) and DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. to roll out a comprehensive patient-awareness campaign that aims to educate OA sufferers about the full range of treatment options, including joint replacement, which can help relieve pain and improve function for patients with OA.

More information about the campaign is available at 888-273-9029 or www.jointpainoptions.com.

Source: The National Council on the Aging, www.ncoa.org.