Modifiable Determinants of Exercise Use in a Diverse Ethnic Population with Osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the extent of ethnic differences in using exercise for therapy and Identify relevant modifiable determinants of exercise use among knee/hip osteoarthritis (OA) patients METHODS: Knee/hip OA study participants were identified. Surveys were administered to collect patient socio-demographics, clinical information, and beliefs and attitudes about providers and treatments. Final multivariable logistic regression models were created using a fully conditional method.

RESULTS: Hispanics (n=130), compared to non-Hispanics (n=232), were less likely to have private medical insurance (9.2% vs. 31.0%) or to report having excellent/very good health (40.7% vs. 52.6%). They were also less likely to report using exercise for OA treatment the last 6 months (56% vs. 73%, p=0.003). When adjusted for age and disease severity, the ethnic difference in exercise use remained significant (OR 0.59, 95% CI: 0.36-0.99). In a multivariable logistic regression model designed to determine the most important determinants of exercise use for OA treatment, the following were associated with exercise use in the last 6 months: having knee instead of hip OA (OR 2.83, 95% CI: 1.51-5.29), having family/friends who exercise (OR 3.20, 95% CI: 1.76-5.84), having a good understanding of what happens after exercise (OR 2.19, 95 CI: 1.15-4.19), and higher perceived benefit of exercise (OR 2.24, 95% CI: 1.64-3.04) CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with knee/hip OA, Hispanics were less likely to exercise for OA treatment. Increased knowledge about the benefits of exercise for treatment and improved familiarity with exercise as treatment for OA may increase exercise use. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.