Abstract P328: Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Factors Are Associated With Poor Health-Related Quality of Life Among Hispanic/Latino Adults With Arthritis Symptoms: Findings From the Hispanic Community Health Study/ Study of Latinos

Abstract

Introduction: Despite greater longevity, Hispanics/Latinos have shorter functional limitations-free life and greater prevalence of arthritis-attributable functional limitations compared to non-Hispanic Whites. We assessed the hypothesis that CVD and CVD risk factors (RFs) are independently associated with poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among Hispanics/Latinos with arthritis. Methods: HCHS/SOL is a multi-center prospective population-based study of 16,415 diverse Hispanic/Latino adults ages 18-74 years at baseline (2008-11). Data from 2,083 men and women with self-reported arthritis-related symptoms were analyzed. Self-reported HRQOL was assessed using the 12-item Short-Form (SF-12) survey: self-reported health status (fair/poor vs. excellent/very good/good); and physical and mental health component summary scores (PCS and MCS; standardized z scores ranging from 0-100; higher scores indicate better HRQOL). Prevalent CVD (yes/ no) was defined using Framingham CVD Composite Criterion. CVD RFs were diabetes, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, smoking, and physical activity. Logistic and linear regression models were used to examine cross-sectional associations of CVD and CVD RFs with HRQOL, after adjustment for relevant covariates and other CVD or CVD RFs. All analyses accounted for the complex study design. Results: In multivariable-adjusted models, CVD, diabetes, and current smoking were associated with 1.73, 2.04, and 1.48 times higher odds of fair/poor general health, compared to absence of CVD, normal glycemic status, and never-smoking, respectively. CVD, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, and low activity were associated with lower PCS scores. CVD, obesity, overweight, and current and former smoking were associated with lower MCS scores ( Table ). Conclusions: CVD and CVD RFs are independently associated with poorer HRQOL among Hispanic/Latino adults with arthritis, suggesting presence of unmet health and lifestyle management needs in this group.