Comparing the Responses of Patients with Osteoarthritis to Some Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Treatment Modalities, Cross Sectional Survey

Abstract

Objective: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, and is a leading cause of disability among older adults. Many different therapeutic strategies are used in OA management including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological modalities with various patient responses. However, a perfect therapy for OAis still to be found.This research aims to compare the degree of pain improvement in osteoarthritic patients in response to various treatment modalities through an online questionnaire.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2020 in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and Cairo, Egypt. The total sample obtained was 1,870 residents with OA. A computer-based survey of osteoarthritis was conducted electronically. Results:The highest age range of participants was between 41-50 years (65%). More than two-thirds (1210) were females.The knee is significantly (P<0.005) the most common joint affected followed by back and neck. Concerning the treatment modalities asked in the questionnaire; physical/hydrotherapy, joint injection, and paracetamol are significantly (P<0.005) the most commonly used by participants.The number of participants those indicates the highest responses to pain improvement (50 % and more) to paracetamol, glucosamine/ chondroitin, nutritional supplements, and antioxidants were significantly (P<0.005) more than those for other treatment modalities Conclusion:The most commonly used treatment methods for osteoarthritic pain were physiotherapy/ hydrotherapy, joint injection, and oral paracetamol. Those who have achieved the highest response regarding pain improvement were paracetamol, antioxidants, glucosamine / chondroitin, and nutritional supplements.