This project aimed to better understand who is living with osteoarthritis (OA) in the Maritimes and how their physical activity levels relate to specific health issues and use of health care services. Survey data was used to compare individuals with and without OA, and health administrative data was analyzed to understand patterns of healthcare utilization.
The team used data from the Atlantic Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health (PATH) to examine self-reported characteristics of people living with OA and without OA for all three Maritime provinces. The Atlantic PATH data for Nova Scotians was then linked to administrative data to identify trends in health care use by Nova Scotians with and without OA. It was the first time the Atlantic PATH data had ever been linked to health utilization data.
What we learned
- Summary report: Current Management and Health Care Use for People with Osteoarthritis (PDF)
- Infographic: Osteoarthritis in the Maritimes (PDF)