Clothing and Dressing Needs of People with Arthritis

Abstract

Millions ofAmericans have some form of arthritis. The cumulative effects of aging can further negatively affect clothing dressing ease and the self-image of arthritics and elderly individuals. This research addressed clothing problems and solutions of nearly 800 Arizona residents with either rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. The majority (78%) who responded to the mailed survey were over age 50, and 77% were women. The subjects identified joint involvement that includedfingers, hands, knees, shoulders, and wrists and related effects of lack of mobility, dexterity, and lack of strength in hands and fingers. These physical effects of arthritis were manifested in clothing problems such as lack of comfort and unsuitable designs. Proper fit of clothing was a significant problem for females. Hands and wrist problems were significantly related to difficulty in manipulating fasteners. Difficult clothing design features included turtlenecks, long and set-in sleeves, and back closures for women and pullover sweaters, t-shirts, and ties for men. Suggestions for improving clothing design and dressing ease for arthritics included front openings, more give in waistlines, ease in shoulder area, larger openings for pants and skirts, larger armholes, and dressing straps.