Background/Purpose: It is a common perception that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a more severe and debilitating disease than osteoarthritis (OA); however, there have been many recent advancements in treatment for RA including development of biologics, while treatment of OA remains largely focused on joint replacement surgeries which are only appropriate for end-stage OA. A recent national survey of a representative sample of Canadians reporting arthritis provided an opportunity to compare individuals reporting RA who see a rheumatologist and individuals reporting OA. Our objective was to describe and compare the arthritis-related characteristics and health care use of individuals reporting RA and OA.

Methods: Data were obtained from the 2009 Survey on Living with Chronic Diseases in Canada which included detailed information on a sample self-reporting arthritis as a long term chronic health condition (n = 4,565). Data were obtained on demographic characteristics, lifestyle (smoking, alcohol, physical activity), type of arthritis, number and site of painful joints (16 sites), pain and fatigue (severity on 1-10 scale and frequency), limitations in 5 areas of daily activities, general health, health care use (health professionals seen in the past year, use of medication, assistive devices and receipt of information and other support services), and self-management of arthritis. Two groups were examined: individuals who reported RA and have seen a rheumatologist in the past year (RA), and individuals who reported OA.

Results: An estimated 0.5% of Canadians reported RA and 5.1% reported OA. Those with RA were more likely to have symmetrical arthritis than those with OA. The two groups were similar in demographic and lifestyle characteristics, and there were no significant differences in the number of joint sites affected (RA: 5.1 95% CI 3.9-6.4; OA: 4.6 95% CI 4.3-4.8), severity of pain or fatigue, frequency of fatigue, or having any activity limitations. Compared to RA, the OA group reported better self-rated health but more frequent joint pain. A higher proportion of the RA group reported seeing primary care physicians, orthopedic surgeons, physiotherapists, pharmacists and mental health professionals compared to the OA group. Those with RA were more likely to report taking prescription medication (RA: 83%; OA: 40%), using assistive devices, and receiving information on how to manage their arthritis. Individuals with RA were less likely to exercise or control weight for arthritis.

Conclusion: Overall, the impact of RA among those who reported seeing a rheumatologist was comparable to the impact of OA in this representative sample of Canadians. This similarity is surprising given that RA is often perceived as a more severe form of arthritis. The findings could be a reflection of the benefits of specialist care and hence pharmacotherapy and access to other support for disease management for RA, and the lack of effective treatment for OA. The similar joint site count for RA and OA also suggests that further attention should be paid to OA as a polyarticular disease.

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ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/rheumatoid-arthritis-and-osteoarthritis-in-the-population-how-different-is-the-impact/