Population-based normative values for the Australian/Canadian (AUSCAN) Hand Osteoarthritis Index: part 2.

Objectives: To develop population-based age- and gender-specific normative values for the pain, stiffness, and physical function subscales of the AUSCAN Index for benchmarking applications.

Methods: A scannable survey questionnaire capable of capturing AUSCAN Index data and demographic information was developed, pretested, and distributed to a stratified random sample of 36,000 members of the Australian general public generated by the Australian Electoral Commission.

Results: Age- and gender-specific AUSCAN normative values were estimated based on approximately 7300 subjects. Age-related differences were noted in all 3 AUSCAN subscales. In general, pain, stiffness, and difficulty with physical function percentiles increased with age.

Conclusions: AUSCAN normative values provide opportunity for benchmarking the health status of individuals with hand osteoarthritis against their age- and gender-matched peers in the general population. These normative values provide unique opportunities for using the AUSCAN Index in benchmarking applications, in both clinical practice and research.