A comparative study of outcome in myositis and other musculoskeletal disorders assessed using the Nottingham health profile.

Objective: This study evaluated the comparative impact of myositis and other musculoskeletal disorders on general health using the Nottingham health profile (NHP) as a generic measure of health status.

Methods: A prospective observational study of 113 females with myositis, 142 females with rheumatoid arthritis, 45 females with spinal osteoporosis and 96 females with knee osteoarthritis.

Results: All mean NHP section scores were higher in myositis and other musculoskeletal disorders compared to population mean values.