Arthritis is associated with high nutritional risk among older Canadian adults from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

This study assessed the association between arthritis, functional impairment, and nutritional risk (NR). Cross-sectional data were from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, a nationally representative sample of 45-85-year-old community-dwelling Canadians (n = 41,153). The abbreviated Seniors in the Community: Risk Evaluating for Eating and Nutrition II (SCREEN II-AB) Questionnaire determined NR scores (continuous), and high NR (score < 38); the Older American Resources and Services scale measured functional impairment. NR scores and status (low/high) were modelled using multiple linear and logistic regressions, respectively. Analyses adjusted for demographic characteristics, functional impairment, and health (body mass index, self-rated general and mental health). Additional analyses stratified the models by functional impairment. People with arthritis had poorer NR scores (B: - 0.35, CI - 0.48, - 0.22; p < 0.05) and increased risks of high NR (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.06, 1.17). Among those with functional impairment, the likelihood of high NR was 31% higher in people with arthritis compared to those without arthritis (95% CI 1.12, 1.53). Among those with no functional impairment, the likelihood of high NR was 10% higher in people with arthritis compared to those without (95% CI 1.04, 1.16). These relationships differed based on the type of arthritis. Arthritis is associated with high NR in community-dwelling older adults, both with and without functional impairment. Findings highlight the need for further research on these relationships to inform interventions and improve clinical practices.

Identifying Barriers of Arthritis-Related Disability on Food Behaviors to Guide Nutrition Interventions.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the impact of arthritis-related disability on aspects of food insecurity and to gain insight into the incentives and barriers to participating in a nutrition intervention. DESIGN: Four focus groups were held in April to May, 2018. Participants completed questionnaires about socioeconomic status, diet, and health. SETTING: The Perform Centre, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 27 adults diagnosed with arthritis. PHENOMENON OF INTEREST: Perceived impact of arthritis-related disability on food behaviors as well as incentives and deterrents to participating in a nutrition intervention. ANALYSIS: Transcriptions of the focus group discussions were coded using the constant comparative method. Basic descriptive statistics were used to analyze the questionnaire data. RESULTS: The themes of pain, fatigue, knowledge, and social support emerged in discussions on food choices, procurement, preparation, consumption, and other lifestyle behaviors. Participants reported common barriers, although the extent to which they were affected varied. Questionnaire results revealed low disability. Timing, cost, and information quality were important incentives to participate in a nutrition intervention. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Results highlight the need for further research among people with greater limitations related to arthritis and adapted nutrition interventions that provide both knowledge and experience to help individuals overcome the challenges of arthritis.