The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #70189

Pamela A. Semanik, PhD APN¹, JoEllen Wilbur, PhD, RN, FAAN², James M. Sinacore, PhD³, and Rowland W. Chang, MD MPH¹. (1) Arthritis Division, Northwestern University, 345 East Superior, Suite 908, Chicago, IL 60612, 312-238-3220, pseman1@uic.edu, (2) College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, 845 S. Damen, Chicago, IL 60612, (3) Department of Family Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, 1919 W. Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease most prevalent in women over the age of 60. Physical activity is a widely recommended strategy for controlling disease consequences. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to identify the physical activity behaviors (leisure, household, occupational) of employed vs. non-employed women (> 60 yrs) with RA. Subjects included 46 (Employed) and 93 (Non-Employed) cognitively intact, ambulatory women drawn from the caseloads of eight rheumatologists practicing in an urban university medical center. Methods: Participants chose a time and location for administration of the survey questionnaire. Independent variables included age, years since RA diagnosis, health status, and co-morbidities (no significant differences between groups). The dependent variable, physical activity, was assessed with the Yale Physical Activity Survey and the Tecumseh Occupational Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: Participants had a mean age of 67.6 years, with a mean disease duration of 17.5 yrs. Mobility-limiting co-morbidities were present in employed (37%) and non-employed (44%) women. Twenty-seven held desk jobs, with nineteen employed in teaching, nursing, and child care. Over 77% of all at-work time was spent sitting or standing, doing light work. Both groups spent most of their total activity time engaged in moderate intensity housework (62%). Conclusion: Physical activity behaviors among employed and non-employed women with RA are not significantly different. Employed women with RA may not be at risk for inactive lifestyles because of the sedentary nature of their work, but both groups may benefit from interventions that increase the proportion of vigorous activity incorporated into daily routines.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the physcial activities of employed and non-employed women with RA
• State the similarities in physical activity behavior between groups
• Identify potential activity recommendations for both groups.

Keywords: Physical Activity, Chronic Illness

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.