Population-based normative values for the Australian/Canadian (AUSCAN) Hand Osteoarthritis Index: part 2.

OBJECTIVES

To develop population-based age- and gender-specific normative values for the pain, stiffness, and physical function subscales of the AUSCAN Index for benchmarking applications.

METHODS

A scannable survey questionnaire capable of capturing AUSCAN Index data and demographic information was developed, pretested, and distributed to a stratified random sample of 36,000 members of the Australian general public generated by the Australian Electoral Commission.

RESULTS

Age- and gender-specific AUSCAN normative values were estimated based on approximately 7300 subjects. Age-related differences were noted in all 3 AUSCAN subscales. In general, pain, stiffness, and difficulty with physical function percentiles increased with age.

CONCLUSIONS

AUSCAN normative values provide opportunity for benchmarking the health status of individuals with hand osteoarthritis against their age- and gender-matched peers in the general population. These normative values provide unique opportunities for using the AUSCAN Index in benchmarking applications, in both clinical practice and research.