Older adults with osteoarthritis. Psychological status and physical function.

The purpose of this study was to identify how sociodemographic characteristics such as age, race, and socioeconomic status; psychosocial factors of hardiness, health promotion practices, and social support; health status; and pain are related to the ability of older, community-residing individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) to maintain psychological equilibrium and physical function. A total of 81 older adults with OA completed a survey that included a sociodemographic data form, a hardiness scale, a measure of health promoting practices, and five subscales from the Arthritis Impact Measure Scale 2 on social support, general health status, pain, and psychological status and physical function. Analyses using multiple regression showed that hardiness, pain, and social support were significant contributors to psychological status and physical function and, respectively, accounted for 53% and 54% of the variance. By knowing about OA and being aware of factors that contribute to maintaining independence in individuals with OA, nurses can provide expert help to aging individuals.