Self-reported arthritis and the menopause.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of self-reported arthritis in a population-based cohort of mid-aged women and to identify health, social and lifestyle factors associated with self-reported arthritis.


METHODS
Cross-sectional population-based survey.


METHODS
Data were obtained from a telephone-administered questionnaire of 2001 Australian-born women between 45 and 55 years old and residing in Melbourne. Information was collected on demographics, lifestyle factors and health conditions.


RESULTS
The most commonly reported symptom in this cohort was aches and stiff joints, reported by 51.7% of the women; 34.4% of participants reported they had been diagnosed with arthritis. More postmenopausal women (39%) reported that they were diagnosed with arthritis compared to premenopausal women (27%, p < 0.001). Women who reported arthritis were more likely to be older (odds radio (OR), 1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05-1.13), have a higher body mass index (OR, 1.04; CI, 1.02-1.07), be postmenopausal (OR, 1.88; CI, 1.33-2.66), have a higher negative mood (OR, 1.80; CI, 1.13-2.87), and report a decreased interest in sex (OR, 1.58; CI, 1.26-1.97).


CONCLUSIONS
Aches and stiff joints are the most frequently reported symptom of mid-aged women. Reported arthritis is associated with postmenopausal status, age, body mass index, less interest in sex and lowered mood. Further longitudinal research is needed to determine the role of these factors in the development and impact of arthritis.
Szoeke
C E I
CE
Office for Gender and Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Australia.
Cicuttini
F
F
Guthrie
J
J
Dennerstein
L
L
D001168:Arthritis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D014739:Victoria / Q000453:epidemiology