A133B: Arthritis impact over time: A longitudinal exploration of burden of illness, comorbities (particularly depression), management, and health care costs in older Australian women

Arthritis impact over time: A longitudinal exploration of burden of illness, comorbities (particularly depression), management, and health care costs in older Australian women

Approved: 2009

Collaborators:

Prof Lynne Parkinson
Mr Richard Gibson
Dr Paul Kowal
Prof Glenn Salkeld
Dr Jennifer Stewart Williams
Dr Michelle Cunich
Prof Isabel Higgins
AProf Fiona Blyth
Dr Alison Gibberd
Dr Geeske Peeters
Dr Thomas Lo
Dr Katie de Luca
Prof Gillian Hawker
Prof Henry Pollard
Prof Lyn March
Dr Chris Hayes
Dr Jacqueline Hochman
Ms Amanda McGovern
Dr Lynn Francis
Dr Ang Li

Synopsis

Arthritis is the most common cause of activity limitation and disability among older Australian women. In 2002, arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions were established as a National Health Priority Area, in recognition of the major health and economic burden these conditions place on our community. The broad aim of this project is to investigate the effect of Arthritis, and comorbidities associated with arthritis, on health and quality of life for older Australian women. The combination of extensive demographic, psychosocial and health survey data linked with Medicare and hospitalisations data means that the burden and economic costs of Arthritis in Australia can be examined more rigorously than in any previous work.