Long-term impact of arthritis on sensory function: Evidence from the Chinese elderly population.

AIMS: To examine the associations between arthritis and hearing loss (HL), vision loss (VL), dual sensory loss (DSL, the coexistence of HL and VL) in Chinese older adults, along with the long-term negative effects of arthritis on sensory function.

METHODS

This is a longitudinal observational cohort study with 5187 participants. Arthritis was self-reported during baseline and follow-up surveys. Outcome variables included hearing and vision scores (ranging from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating poorer sensory function), and the prevalence of HL, VL, DSL. Univariate logistic regression assessed baseline associations, while mixed logistic and linear mixed-effects models evaluated the incidence and deterioration of HL, VL, DSL over a 7-year follow-up period. Sensitivity analyses excluding potential mediators were then performed to assess the robustness of findings.

RESULTS

Participants with arthritis had significantly higher incidence of HL, VL, and DSL, and worse hearing and vision scores (p < 0.001). Baseline arthritis predicted higher incidence of HL, VL, and DSL over a 7-year period. Additionally, arthritis individuals exhibited an accelerated deterioration of HL and VL in the follow-up, with additional increases in hearing score and vision score of 0.098 and 0.062, respectively. These associations remained significant after excluding individuals with baseline HL or VL. Sensitivity analyses yielded consistent results, supporting the robustness of the findings.

CONCLUSION

Arthritis was significantly associated with HL, VL, and DSL in older adults, with sustained negative impacts on sensory function. Early prevention strategies and multidisciplinary care are recommended to enhance long-term health outcomes for arthritis populations.