Prevalence and impact of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis on health-related quality of life among active subjects.

Background And Aims: To assess the prevalence and impact of osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis (OP) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among active subjects employed in the public workforce in Belgium.

Methods: A cohort of 3440 subjects employed by the Liège City Council was prospectively followed for 6 months. The employees were asked to fill in a monthly log in a health record book, of data regarding their healthcare consumption due to OA and OP.

Direct and indirect costs attributable to osteoarthritis in active subjects.

Objective: To estimate the direct and indirect costs of osteoarthritis (OA) in an active population, and to identify factors significantly influencing these expenditures.

Methods: A cohort of 3,440 subjects employed by the Liège City Council was followed prospectively for 6 months. Subjects were asked to report monthly OA related health resource utilization (contacts with health professionals, medical examinations, drug consumption, etc.