A new study has revealed that more than one in four older adults in Colombia is living with osteoarthritis, underscoring the urgent need for improved management and prevention strategies as the country’s population continues to age. The findings were published in the journal Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health.
Drawing on data from the SABE Colombia survey, a nationally representative study of nearly 24,000 individuals aged 60 and above, researchers found an overall osteoarthritis prevalence of 26%. The condition was particularly common among women, where the rate soared to 36.5%, compared with just 14.9% in men.
Fernando Gomez, PhD at Universidad de Caldas in Colombia, explained the motivation behind the study: “Our research question was: What are the sex-stratified and age-adjusted prevalence of self-reported arthritis, and what are the most important sociodemographic, health and functional factors, biomarkers, functional ability, and social capital variables?”
The data also pointed to a sharp increase in prevalence with age. Among those aged 80 and over, over one-third were affected, compared with less than 20% in those aged 60 to 64. The findings reflect global trends but suggest a more acute burden in Colombia than in many high-income countries.
Urban living emerged as another key factor. Older adults residing in cities were more likely to report osteoarthritis than their rural counterparts, potentially due to lifestyle factors such as reduced physical activity and higher rates of obesity. Researchers also found strong links between the condition and perceived problems with neighbourhood safety and infrastructure, such as poor lighting, crime, and inadequate pavements.
Gomez noted: “The most important potentially modifiable risk factors are high Body Mass Index, multimorbidity, metabolic syndrome, physical limitations, mobility disabilities, and safety or security problems in the neighbourhoods. All of these risk factors could be attended by primary care physicians.”
Health conditions often did not occur in isolation. Multimorbidity, defined as the presence of two or more chronic diseases, was significantly associated with osteoarthritis. Older adults with multimorbidity were almost five times more likely to report the joint disease, suggesting a complex web of interrelated conditions. Obesity, limited mobility, and self-reported poor health were also found to be common among those with osteoarthritis.
Metabolic factors played a significant role. Participants with lower levels of HDL cholesterol, the so-called “good” cholesterol, were more likely to have osteoarthritis. Elevated triglycerides also showed a modest association with the condition. These findings support the emerging recognition of a metabolic subtype of osteoarthritis linked to inflammation and lipid dysfunction.
Functional impairments were also widespread in the osteoarthritis group. Individuals reported higher levels of dependency in basic and instrumental activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, or managing finances. They were also more likely to struggle with walking moderate distances or climbing stairs, which in turn further reduced their opportunities for physical activity.
Gomez said: “Osteoarthritis is a common and multifaceted condition, with a comparable prevalence of self-reported osteoarthritis in Colombia with similar populations elsewhere.”
Although self-reported data carries some limitations, the study’s large sample size and robust design offer a valuable window into how osteoarthritis affects Colombia’s older population. Unlike previous research limited to specific cities or regions, this national study captures the full demographic and geographic diversity of the country.
As Colombia’s population continues to age, the implications of this study extend beyond healthcare. The findings point to the importance of integrated policy approaches that not only target medical care but also improve urban infrastructure and tackle social inequalities that exacerbate health outcomes.
Looking ahead, Gomez shared future research plans: “We are developing one study related with safety or security problems in the neighbourhoods and their relationships with mobility.”
Preventive strategies, particularly those addressing obesity and chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, will be vital in managing the future burden of osteoarthritis. Given the scale of the issue, researchers argue that improved understanding of its risk factors and wider social context is essential in designing effective interventions.
