Gender differences in the risk of developing disability among older adults with arthritis

Objectives: Although older women are disabled from arthritis at higher rates than men, there is an inadequate understanding of the factors that place women at higher risks. The purpose of this research is to improve understanding of gender differences in the process of becoming disabled among older adults with arthritis. Methods: Gender differences in risk factors associated with developing a disability during a 30-month period are examined among a sample of noninstitutionalized elders with arthritis (N= 749). Results: Results from discrete time-hazard models indicate that sociodemographic factors account for gender differences in disability with activities of daily living (ADLs). However, for difficulties performing instrumental activities of dally living (IADLs), gender differences remain unexplained by variations in demographic and health factors. Discussion: More descriptive and explanatory work needs to focus on gender differences in IADL disability; however, these findings suggest that the gendered nature of the IADL tasks influences gender differences in IADL disability.