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

PMCID: PMC12176145

PMID: 40531897

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0325780

Journal: PloS one

Publication Date: 2025-6-18

Authors: Alwhaibi M, Alhawassi TM

Key Points

• Comorbid depression and anxiety significantly reduce mental health-related quality of life in OA patients
• 9.9% of OA patients experience both depression and anxiety, with the most substantial negative impact on mental health scores
• Healthcare providers should screen OA patients for mental health disorders and promote lifestyle interventions like physical activity and employment

Summary

This nationally representative study examined the relationship between mental health disorders and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in adults with osteoarthritis (OA). Using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2018-2021), researchers analyzed 3,658 OA patients, finding that 12.0% experienced depression, 12.5% had anxiety, and 9.9% had both conditions. The study utilized the veteran's RAND 12-item health survey to assess HRQoL through Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS) Component Summary scores.

The research revealed significant disparities in HRQoL across different OA patient groups. Patients with comorbid depression and anxiety demonstrated the lowest PCS and MCS scores. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that adults with OA and depression (MCS adjusted β = −5.408, p < 0.001), anxiety (MCS adjusted β = −3.485, p < 0.001), or both conditions (MCS adjusted β = −10.348, p < 0.0001) experienced substantially lower mental health-related quality of life compared to those with OA alone. Notably, employment and physical activity were associated with improved HRQoL scores.