Introduction: Pain is the main reason for patients with
osteoarthritis (OA) to visit health clinics. Health seeking behaviors indicate unmet
patient needs and lack of understanding of OA pain patterns. This study aimed to describe
the experiences of Iranian patients with OA and explore their health seeking behaviors and
perceptions on pain management related to osteoarthritis.
Methods: Using a qualitative approach, data was collected
by interviewing 19 patients, 2 family members, and 5 health care providers from the
in-patient and out-patient clinics, and physicians’ offices. Data saturation was reached
after 31 in-depth and semi-structured interviews (five second interviews). Data were
analyzed by qualitative content analysis, using comparison, reflection and interpretation
techniques. The criteria used to enhance rigor included credibility, transferability,
dependability, and confirmability.
Results: Two main categories and six subcategories emerged
from data analysis. The first main category included "adapting to the reality" which had
three subcategories: Facing OA pain, seeking health care, and accepting pain as a part of
life. The second main category included "behavior fluctuation" with three subcategory of
role conflict, responsibility for self-care and, adherence to prescribed treatment versus
self-treatment.
Conclusion: Care seeking behaviors for chronic pain
sufferers are void of cultural, emotional, social and financial situation and patient
expectations. Some misconceptions emerged about the health problem and its management,
which may lead to negative attitudes toward treatment and therapists and finally lead to
non-adherence to treatment. Patients need for education to enhance appropriate health care
utilization.