SYDNEY, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Low income is already associated with having arthritis, however researchers in an Australian study have found that having arthritis increases the chances of an individual falling into income and multidimensional poverty.
The researchers point to doctors considering the costs of treatment for arthritis patients in order to minimize the effects of the condition on their lives.
"With population aging occurring in most of the developed nations around the world, health conditions such as arthritis will become increasingly common," said Dr. Emily Callander, a researcher at the University of Sydney, in a press release. "That developing arthritis has such a pronounced impact on the risk of falling into poverty should flag to policy makers in welfare departments the influence of the condition on national living standards."
Researchers analyzed survey data on 4,000 Australian men and women over age 21 collected between 2007 and 2012. They found that woman with arthritis were 51 percent more likely to fall into poverty, while men were 22 percent more likely, when compared with people who do not have arthritis.
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They also found that women were 87 percent more likely to fall into multidimensional poverty, which includes income, as well as considerations for health and education attainment. Men were 29 with arthritis were also 29 percent more likely to reach multidimensional poverty.
"The high risk of poverty should be kept in mind by clinicians seeking the most appropriate treatment for their patients with arthritis, as affordability of out-of-pocket costs may be an important factor," Callander said.
The study is published by Arthritis and Reumatology.
