Is Arthritis a Risk Factor for Kidney Disease in Females Ages 65 and Older?

Purpose: Previous research has shown a relationship between kidney disease and arthritis, however, the results are not specific to a gender or age group. Thus, the purpose of our study was to determine whether arthritis is a risk factor for kidney disease in females aged 65 and older. Methods: This cross sectional analysis used data from the BRFSS 2015 survey for females aged 65 and older from Arizona, Kentucky, Oregon and West Virginia. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between kidney disease and arthritis, while controlling for weight status, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol and ethnicity. Results: Few of the target population reported having a lifetime diagnosis of kidney disease (6-8%). The majority of the target population reported having a lifetime diagnosis of arthritis (51-64%). After controlling for extraneous factors, kidney disease was significantly related to arthritis in two of the four states with moderate to large effect sizes. Kidney disease was also significantly related to high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes in all four states. Conclusions: Arthritis was significantly related to kidney disease in females aged 65 and older in two of four states and to high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes in all four states. Female patients age 65 and older who have been diagnosed with arthritis or kidney disease should be screened for the other disease. Providers should educate patients on early signs and symptoms of these diseases. Providers should also screen patients for kidney disease and educate patients on early symptoms when patients have high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.