Grant: Catalyst Grant: Analysis of CLSA Data

Low back pain and osteoarthritis are the leading cause of activity limitation and work absence throughout the world and in Canada. These conditions are more common with age contributing to increased pain, disability, and impaired quality of life. In this study, we will estimate the direct and indirect relationships between health care utilization, mental and physical symptoms (e.g. pain, depression, sleep), functional ability (physical, mental, social) and quality of life, and conduct subgroup estimates across age and diagnostic groups. We will use the Canadian Longitudinal Study in Aging comprehensive large database and a statistical approach that will allow us to simultaneously test the relationships between all the main factors that impact the quality of life of individuals living with low back pain and/or osteoarthritis. Estimating these relationships and the most important factors will contribute to identifying optimal personalized care that integrates the biopsychosocial needs of individuals with low back pain and/or osteoarthritis as their disease progresses over time. These tailored interventions will likely increase activity, improve social participation, maximize quality of life, and optimize quality of care and health resource utilization.