The knowledge and self-management educational needs of older adults with knee osteoarthritis: A qualitative study

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is closely related with ageing, physical disability and functional dependency. The course of KOA is considered progressive and irreversible. Engagement with self-management may, however, minimize the impact of KOA. To be fully engaged with self-management activities, knowledge about KOA is a prerequisite. There is limited empirical data on older adults' understanding on KOA and their information needs about KOA. Therefore, the aims of this study were to explore older adults' knowledge about KOA and their perspectives on the information required to enable self-management. Three focus groups were conducted with 16 older adults with KOA. The sample consisted of three men and thirteen women with the mean age 73.2 years (range from 61 to 89). Thematic content analysis revealed two themes which were understanding about KOA and information needed about KOA. Participants' knowledge about KOA varied between individuals with many expressing that they needed more information about KOA. A targeted strategy is needed to educate older adults about KOA in order to support and prepare them for selfmanagement.

What do knee OA patients perceive about their disorder? A qualitative study

“…Most patients suggested that their knees have undergone wear and tear, and the cartilage has been damaged; this is in line with previously published works (Darlow et al , 2018; Kamsan et al , 2020; Nyvang et al , 2016; Pouli et al , 2014). Recent evidence proposes this as an unhelpful oversimplification.…”

“…Research suggests that these interventions must be reinforced by behavior changes. These treatment strategies require patients to acquire skills and knowledge about the disease process to aid in behavior modifications (Brady, 2012; Kamsan et al , 2020).…”

“…This limited evidence issue is more profound in a country like India with varied ethnicity and culture. The disease perception among a population may be altered by geographical, cultural and lifestyle differences (Kamsan et al , 2020). Therefore, the present study aimed to explore knee OA patients’ disease perception about their disease in the rural/urban cohort from Punjab, India.…”

Healthcare Utilization and Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms among Urban Older Malaysian

“…This finding suggests that older persons with knee OA require assistance in managing their condition. This could probably be to minimize the consequences of knee OA including pain, swelling, and stiffness of the knee, which could affect the mobility and activities of daily living [ 10 , 16 ].…”

“…Conservative approaches requiring multifaceted strategies including patient education, pain management, exercises, weight management, and joint protection strategies should be delivered as first-line therapy for knee OA. Typically, individuals with knee OA may use multiple treatment options such as medication, physiotherapy intervention, and exercises therapy for their symptoms management [ 16 ]. More invasive approaches involving surgical procedures are only recommended for an advanced stage of knee OA, once non-invasive treatment modalities are no longer deemed effective [ 17 , 18 , 19 ].…”