Mental health and health-related quality of life among adults with osteoarthritis: A national population-based study

PLoS One. 2025 Jun 18;20(6):e0325780. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0325780. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adults with osteoarthritis are vulnerable to mental health disorders, which may have a significant impact on their Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). Thus, the purpose of this study was to look at the relationship between anxiety and depression and HRQoL in adults with osteoarthritis.

METHODS: Adult patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis who were 18 years of age or older were identified using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey for the years 2018-2021. HRQoL was computed using the veteran’s RAND 12-item health survey which has two domains the Physical and Mental Component Summary (PCS & MCS) ratings. The link between anxiety and depression and HRQoL in individuals with osteoarthritis was examined using multivariable linear regression after the adjustment for a variety of covariates.

RESULTS: Of the 3,658 individuals with osteoarthritis that were identified, 12.0% experienced depression, 12.5% had anxiety, and 9.9% had both illnesses. The PCS and MCS mean scores of the HRQoL were lowest for persons with comorbid depression and anxiety compared to adults with osteoarthritis only. Moreover, from the adjusted regression analysis, adults with osteoarthritis who had depression (MCS: adjusted β = -5.408, p < 0.001), anxiety (MCS: adjusted β = -3.485, p < 0.001), or both depression and anxiety (MCS: adjusted β = -10.348, p-value<0.0001) had significantly lower HRQoL MCS scores compared to those with osteoarthritis only. Those who were physically active and employed had notably better scores on the PCS and MCS than those who were not.

CONCLUSIONS: This nationally representative sample has shed light on the relationships between anxiety, depression, and a low HRQoL in adults with osteoarthritis. The study also revealed the impact of socioeconomic factors such as education level and income on HRQoL, and the benefits of employment and regular exercise. Importantly, the findings underscore the need for lifestyle modifications to reduce anxiety and depression in individuals with osteoarthritis. They also highlight the practical implications for healthcare planning and resource allocation, providing valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare professionals.

PMID:40531897 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0325780