The leading cause of disability among older adults is osteoarthritis (OA) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2017). Chronic pain associated with arthritis interferes with daily living among older adults and has been related to depression (Zanocchi et al., 2008). Research suggests that ethnicity and psychosocial factors may influence health outcomes of older adults with arthritis who are experiencing chronic pain and depression (Im, Guevara, & Chee, 2007; Wilson et al., 2014). The influence of ethnicity on depression among older adults with OA experiencing chronic pain is the phenomenon of interest for this study. Chronic pain that interferes with activities of daily living gives rise to disability, followed by potential episodes of depression. This currently is impacting the quality of life for older adults with OA. The aim of this study was to gain new insight regarding the relationship and predictive factors for depression between pain interference, gender, and ethnicity among older adults with OA pain and depression. This study examined the research question, “Does ethnicity, gender, and pain interference predict depression among older adults with osteoarthritis?” This study was a secondary analysis of existing data from the National Institute of Health National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (Park, McCaffrey, Newman, Cheung, & Hagen, 2014) study titled, The Effect of Sit ‘N’ Fit Chair Yoga on Community-Dwelling Elders with Osteoarthritis. A descriptive retrospective correlational design was utilized to investigate factors that predict depression. Statistical analysis included multiple linear regression and analysis of variance. The study sample (n = 104) consisted of community-dwelling older adults ages 65 years or older with osteoarthritis. Findings indicated that (1) ethnicity, gender, and pain interference did predict depression; (2) there were no significant difference in depression between Hispanics and non-Hispanics while controlling for pain interference; and (3) there was statistically significant differential interaction with depression when pain interference increased, with Hispanics reporting higher levels of depressions as pain interference increased, as compared to non-Hispanics. The new knowledge gained from this study may help guide healthcare providers in developing effective alternative approaches for improving health outcomes of mismanaged ethnically diverse older adults with OA. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2017. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / Osteoarthritis (OA) is a musculoskeletal condition affecting the synovial joints of the body, most commonly the knee and hip (Colledge et al., 2010). OA is the most prevalent joint disorder worldwide (Ickinger & Tikly, 2010). The prevalence of OA of the knee in developing countries, including South Africa, is expected to increase due to the increase in obesity and life-expectancy (Woolf & Pfleger, 2003). OA not only impacts negatively on many areas of the patient’s personal life, but it also has a considerable impact on health care systems and cost to the patient (Lapsley et al., 2001; Majani et al., 2005). The two main complaints in patients suffering from OA of the knee are knee pain and decreased daily functionality, such as walking (Samson et al., 2007). The main aim of conventional treatment is pain reduction. This treatment does not prevent progression of the OA, and may have negative side-effects (Day & Graham, 2005). Treatments for OA, such as OsteoEze GoldTM, may provide an effective and safer alternative. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of OsteoEze GoldTM on pain and functional ability in osteoarthritis of the knee using the Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain (ICOAP) scale: knee version (Appendix D) and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test (Appendix E). This was a 16-week study, conducted at the Homoeopathic Health Centre, Doornfontein campus (DFC), University of Johannesburg (UJ). The study was randomised, double blind placebo controlled, and matched pairs were utilised. Sixty-seven participants, who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were recruited, and 48 of the participants completed the study. Participants were recruited by advertisements, placed in and around the UJ Homoeopathy Health Centre (with relevant permission given) and by word of mouth. The participants were split into two groups using matched pairs according to age, gender and severity of symptoms (Appendix H). The participants in group A received the OsteoEze GoldTM capsules, and the participants in group B received the placebo capsules. Each capsule of OsteoEze GoldTM contained 500mg glucosamine sulphate, 267mg of chondroitin sulphate, 50mg of vitamin C and 1mg of manganese. The OsteoEze GoldTM or the placebo capsules were distributed at the initial (week-0) and second (week-8) consultations.