3. Investigate associations between gender, age, province, and other diversity-related factors (e.g., race/ethnicity, income) and unmet needs in aging Canadians with OA.
Supervisor: Dr. Jessica Wong
Kiana Ragagnin, BSc
IDRR Student
Institution: Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
Project Title: Prevalence of unmet healthcare needs in aging Canadians with osteoarthritis: A population-based cross-sectional study using Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging data
Project Background: Older Canadians with osteoarthritis (OA) face significant functional limitations and barriers to accessing healthcare. Although OA affects over 1 in 7 Canadians and is a leading cause of disability, the prevalence of unmet healthcare needs in this population remains unclear. Understanding the magnitude of unmet healthcare needs can inform equitable healthcare access and resource planning.
Project Objectives: We aim to:
1. Determine the 12-month national prevalence of unmet healthcare needs in aging Canadians (aged 45-85 at enrolment) with and without OA (knee, hip or hand) using data collected between 2015-2021.
2. Determine the 12-month province specific prevalence of unmet needs in aging Canadians with OA.