This study evaluates the cost of osteoarthritis (OA) from the patient's perspective. Study objectives were to define: patient and caregiver costs; factors that influence the likelihood of patient's incurring costs; and factors that affect the magnitude of costs incurred. The cohort of individuals were age 55 years and older, living with disabling OA. Descriptive cost analysis was completed and OA costs were analyzed using a two step model. Average annual costs of OA was {dollar}7,483 (SD ± {dollar}10,015). OA costs were primarily due to indirect patient ({dollar}4,313, SD ± {dollar}6,901) and/or the caregiver costs ({dollar}2,692, SD ± {dollar}4,414). Increased age, decreased health status, prior joint replacement surgery, two or more co-morbidities, being female and living in a rural region increased the likelihood of patients incurring costs. Increased age, decreased health status and living with others increased the magnitude of costs incurred. Findings conclude patients and caregivers incur significant OA costs.
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