Impact of musculoskeletal conditions among those in residential aged care in Australia.

Abstract

To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions, co-morbidity and functional limitations in older people in residential aged care in Australia and the association of musculoskeletal conditions with mortality. A retrospective cohort study using data from 490325 people in the Registry of Senior Australians was conducted between 2004 and 2014. The association of co-morbidity, health risk factors and functional limitations with musculoskeletal conditions was evaluated using logistic regression. Cox regression was used to examine the association with mortality. Overall, 40.2% [95% CI 40.1-40.4]) of residents had a musculoskeletal condition, which was associated with limited social (OR 1.16 [95% CI 1.14-1.19]) and domestic activities (OR 1.44 [95% CI 1.39-1.49]). Residents with musculoskeletal conditions had a 15% lower risk of mortality (aHR 0.85 [95% CI 0.85-0.86], P<0.001) compared to residents without. The presence of musculoskeletal conditions in older people in residential aged care negatively impacts activities of daily living and quality of life rather than mortality.