Australian golfers with and without osteoarthritis report reduced psychological distress and improved general health compared to a general population-based sample

Document Title:

Australian golfers with and without osteoarthritis report reduced psychological distress and improved general health compared to a general population-based sample

Published By:

Brad J. Stenner a,b,⁎, Terry Boyle a,b, Daryll Archibald c, Nigel Arden d,e, Roger Hawkes g, Stephanie Filbay e,f

Abstract:

Objectives - To (i) evaluate psychological distress and general health in Australian golfers and compare with a general population-based sample, and (ii) explore the relationship between playing golf, psychological distress and general health in individuals with osteoarthritis.

Design: Cross sectional.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey collected outcomes in 459 Australian Golfers (Kessler-10 Psychological Dis- tress Scale, Short-Form 12 (Health Status), International Physical Activity Questionnaire, osteoarthritis status). Outcomes were compared between Australian golfers and a general population-based sample (Australian Health Survey, n = 16,370).

Modified Poisson regression estimated the relationship between playing golf and general health in all participants and a subgroup with osteoarthritis (n = 128 golfers, n = 2216 general population). All analyses were adjusted for age, sex, education and smoking status.

Results: Playing golf was associated with lower psychological distress (adjusted mean difference (95 % confidence interval) −2.5 (−4.1 to −0.9)) and a greater likelihood of reporting good to excellent general health (adjusted relative risk (95 % confidence interval) 1.09 (1.05 to 1.13)) compared to the general population. Amongst people with osteoarthritis, playing golf was associated with lower psychological distress (adjusted mean difference −4.0 (95 % confidence interval −6.5 to −1.5)) and a greater likelihood of reporting good to excellent general health (adjusted relative risk (95 % confidence interval) 1.3 (1.2 to 1.4)).

Conclusions: Golfers had lower levels of psychological distress and better general health than the general population, and this relationship was strongest in individuals with osteoarthritis.