The Health and Well-being of Late Middle-aged, Rural-dwelling Hispanic Adults With Arthritis
Year: 2017
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: Hispanic older adults with arthritis are at high risk for arthritis-related limitations in daily activities. Moreover, rural residence is associated with risk for arthritis, poor health outcomes, and healthcare disparities. This study’s purpose is to describe differences in the health and well-being of late middle-aged (50–64 years), rural-dwelling Hispanic adults with and without arthritis. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 40 Hispanic adults (mean age=57.6 years, SD=4.8) who were participating in a feasibility study of a lifestyle intervention delivered in a primary care system in rural California, USA. Participants reported on medical diagnoses, including arthritis of any type, and various health and well-being parameters. We analyzed a subset of the measurement battery that holistically represented health and wellness: satisfaction with social activities, physical activity engagement, sleep quality, and general well-being. All participants were Spanish-speaking and 90% were female. Those who reported arthritis (n=19, 47.5%) showed significantly poorer social activity satisfaction (p=0.05), physical activity participation (p=0.04), and general well-being (p=0.04) compared to non-arthritic participants. Although not statistically significant, individuals with arthritis also reported poorer sleep quality. This small cross-sectional study showed that self-reported arthritis was highly prevalent in a sample of late middle-aged, rural-living Hispanics. Similar to previous findings in elders, the presence of arthritis was associated with poor health and well-being in multiple domains. While a larger-scale study is necessary to confirm these preliminary findings, this study informs efforts to develop lifestyle interventions tailored to vulnerable, late mid-life Hispanic individuals with arthritis and who are residing in rural communities nationwide.
Source: Innovation in Aging
Authors: S. Schepens Niemiec, C. Vigen, J. Blanchard, J. Martínez, M. Carlson
Institution: University of Southern California
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,977
OpenAlex ID: W2728779382