According to new research published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology, developing arthritis could increase one’s risk of falling into poverty—especially amongst women.
The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Sydney in Australia, analyzed data gathered from a nationally representative survey conducted between 2007 and 2012. It included more than 4,000 adults living in Australia.
For their analysis, the researchers differentiated between multidimensional poverty (included health, education and income into account) and income poverty.
They discovered that women who developed arthritis were 51% more likely to fall into the income poverty category compared to women who did not have arthritis.
Men who developed arthritis were 22% more likely to fall into the income poverty category.
In comparison, women had an 87% higher risk of falling into multidimensional poverty as a result of getting arthritis and men had a 29% higher risk—this when compared to their counterparts who did not get arthritis.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Emily Callander, concluded: “Furthermore, the high risk of poverty should be kept in mind by clinicians seeking the most appropriate treatment for their patients with arthritis, as affordability of out-of-pocket costs may be an important factor.”
Sources for Today’s Article:
Callander, E.J., et al., “Arthritis and the risk of falling into poverty: A survival analysis using Australian data,”Arthritis & Rheumatology September 8, 2015, doi:10.1002/art.39277.
Paddock, C., “Arthritis My Increase Risk of Falling Into Poverty,” Medical News Today web site, September 9, 2015; http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/299208.php.