Common comorbidities

In Australia, according to the ABS National Health Survey (2014–15), among people with OA:

• 51% reported also having cardiovascular disease compared with 15% of people without OA
• 35% reported also having back problems compared with 14% of people without OA
• 18% reported also having mental health problems compared with 11% of people without OA.

The presence of comorbidities in patients with OA can impact treatment choices, particularly pharmacological therapies:

• The use of oral NSAIDs is often limited due to the increased risk of adverse effects in patients with common comorbidities.
• Many nonpharmacological treatments for knee OA (such as weight management, exercise and physical activity, and psychological interventions) may potentially have a dual benefit for other comorbidities.