Population-based normative values for the Western Ontario and McMaster (WOMAC) osteoarthritis index and the Australian/Canadian (AUSCAN) hand osteoarthritis index functional subscales

Abstract

Aim: To develop age- and gender-specific normative values for the physical function subscales of the WOMAC and AUSCAN Indices.

Methods: A scannable survey questionnaire capable of capturing WOMAC and AUSCAN Index and demographic information was developed, pre-tested, and distributed to a stratified random sample of 24,000 members of the Australian general public generated by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC).

Results: Age- and gender-specific WOMAC and AUSCAN normative values were estimated based on approximately 5,500 subjects. Age-related differences were noted at the subscale level. In general, disability increased with age for all items and both Indices.

Conclusions: Normative values provide opportunity for benchmarking the health status of individuals against their age- and gender-matched peers in the general population. These normative values provide unique opportunities, for using the WOMAC and AUSCAN Indices in benchmarking applications, in both clinical practice and research.