Perceptions, beliefs, and needs of Japanese people with knee osteoarthritis during conservative care: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background Patients’ perceptions and beliefs of disease could be influenced by their lifestyle and culture. Although it is important to understand their perceptions and beliefs toward disease to prevent and manage osteoarthritis (OA) through conservative care, this topic has not been investigated in Japanese people with knee OA. Therefore, this qualitative study aims to clarify how Japanese patients with knee OA experience and perceive their symptoms and disabilities, and how they face them during conservative care. Methods Participants were recruited by purposive sampling. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine patients (2 men and 7 women; mean age, 74.3 ± 5.5 years) with knee OA until data saturation was reached. Interview data comprised participants’ accounts of particular personal experiences of living with knee OA, including their perceptions and attitudes toward knee OA-related symptoms and disabilities. Two physiotherapists (one with extensive experience conducting qualitative studies) and four physiotherapy students conducted the interviews. Recorded interview data were transcribed verbatim in Japanese. Data analysis, including developing a coding scheme, was conducted based on a grounded theory approach. Results Two core categories were extracted from the data: ‘Negative experiences’ and ‘Coping with difficulties’. ‘Negative experiences’ included three main categories: ‘Self-analysis on the cause of knee OA’, ‘Difficulties in daily life due to knee symptoms’, and ‘Psychological barrier’. ‘Coping with difficulties’ included three main categories: ‘How to deal with knee pain and difficulty in moving’, ‘Information considered useful to cope with knee OA’ and ‘Importance of connecting with others’. Japanese patients with knee OA desired evidence-based information and to connect with other people in the same situation to solve problems related to their condition. Conclusions To address patients’ concerns, medical professionals should conduct careful interviews and obtain information regarding patients’ past experiences, and understand their experiences related to knee OA. Symptoms and difficulties experienced by patients with knee OA should be managed by evidence-based information integrating their perceptions and beliefs toward knee OA.

A comparison of psychological characteristics in people with knee osteoarthritis from Japan and Australia: A cross-sectional study

“…On the other hand, a recent systematic review indicated that Asian people with arthritis experience a ‘lonely path’ that is not shared with others to avoid being considered as complainers [ 48 ]. Japanese people with knee OA may internalize their complaints so they do not bother others [ 49 ]. These cultural differences are possible explanations for the difference in PCS, especially in helplessness, identified in our study.…”

A qualitative assessment of experiences and perception during pre-admission for rotator cuff repair surgery

“…Scientific evidence also focuses on evaluating preoperative psycho-social factors as they could influence functionality, disability and perceived pain in patients with RCT [ 2 ]. Besides pathoanatomical structures, neurophysiological rules also provide for the patient’s pain experiences [ 10 , 11 ]. In a study by Lau et al, patients with rotator cuff tears showed preoperative depression and/or anxiety [ 12 ].…”

Difficulties Experienced by Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis during the Conservative Treatment Process: A Qualitative Study

“…In a study conducted in Norway, the rate of the patients who adhered to non-pharmacological conservative treatment methods was 44% [18]. Although there are qualitative studies in the literature aimed at determining patients' knowledge levels [19], their perspectives [20,21] and needs [22] regarding conservative treatment, no studies have been conducted on this subject in Turkey. Patients' perception of the disease and difficulties they experience during the disease process may be affected by sociocultural differences [22].…”

“…Although there are qualitative studies in the literature aimed at determining patients' knowledge levels [19], their perspectives [20,21] and needs [22] regarding conservative treatment, no studies have been conducted on this subject in Turkey. Patients' perception of the disease and difficulties they experience during the disease process may be affected by sociocultural differences [22]. Although understanding difficulties experienced by patients during the conservative treatment of knee osteoarthritis is of great importance, this issue has not been adequately investigated in Turkey.…”