Osteoarthritis, Prevention, Management, and Social Disadvantage Interactions: Retrospective Overview and Health Implications 2.00
Ray Marks
ABSTRACT
Osteoarthritis, a widespread disabling joint disease is often found to vary in its impact and outcome among those deemed affected and where age, gender, and genetics cannot commonly explain this. This report aimed to update what is known about the social context and its role as a possible osteoarthritis remediable determinant. Using the PUBMED data base and others, osteoarthritis studies published largely between January 1, 2020 and March 1, 2026 concerning possible social disadvantage linkages were sought and carefully examined. As well, data drawn from the researcher’s repository were reviewed. The search results revealed a growing interest in this topic and that osteoarthritis can be observed to be negatively influenced in the face of one or more forms of persistent social deprivation or disadvantage. Yet, very few clinical trials prevail to either control for this or test the validity of this idea and apply these understandings to preventing excess suffering. In light of the increasing osteoarthritis burden, despite years of research, it appears that to maximize wellbeing for all, and to limit or obviate unwanted osteoarthritis associated health and disability costs, more resounding research and clinical work practices along with an inclusive focus on advancing public health equity in ‘all’ including social equity and the mitigation of all forms of social deprivation including perceived as well as actual injustices are strongly indicated.
