Osteoporosis in Australia
November 26, 2010
ARTHRITIS and osteoporosis are
the most common cause of
disability in Australians, according
to the latest AIHW report on the
use of health services for arthritis
and osteoporosis.
The report, based on treatment
figures in a variety of settings
(including general practice, allied
health establishments, specialist
surgeries and hospitals) between
2007-08, revealed that across the
nation, arthritis and osteoporosis
are “highly prevalent long-term
conditions”, particularly among
older Australians.
Between 2007-08 the report
found figures showing 3.3m Aussies
sought treatment for arthritis, whilst
692,000 sought treatment for
osteoporosis.
In terms of the break-down of
arthritis sufferers, almost one-half
(1.6 million) had osteoarthritis;
whilst rheumatoid arthritis affected
the other 428,000 sufferers.
Females were found to have
higher rates of osteoarthritis than
males, clocking 62.6% of total cases,
with overall majority of sufferers
being over the age of 45 years.
On average the report’s authors
noted that osteoarthritis sufferers
consulted their GP five times a year,
tallying to an estimated eight
million consultations per annum
with 85.8 per 100 of osteoarthritis
problems managed via medications.
Paracetamol came out at the top
of the 10 most popular medication
recommendations, followed in
order by Meloxicam, Celecoxib,
Paracetamol/Codeine, Tramadol,
Diclofenac, Buprenorphine,
Oxycodone, Naproxen and
Glucosamine.
More than half of osteoarthritis
sufferers also reported taking
supplements or natural remedies
for their osteoarthritis, with omega-
3 fish oils and glucosamine being
the most popular, followed by
calcium, chondroitin, and Vitamin D.
Rheumatoid arthritis, the report
found, affects an estimated
428,500 Australians, about two
thirds of whom are women.
The highest rates of the condition
were found between the 55-74 age
ranges, with sufferers found, on
average, to consult their GP 5-6
times per annum.
99 out of 100 rheumatoid arthritis
sufferers were prescribed medication
for their condition, the most
popular of which was Methotrexate,
and the most popular natural
supplement being fish oil.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 26 Nov 10To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 26 Nov 10
