ABSTRACT
Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common rheumatic disease that affects the entire joint, altering its biochemical, anatomical and physiological architecture. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint of the body; however, the commonly affected joint is the knee. Knee OA (KOA) having a global prevalence of 16.0% (95% CI, 14⋅3%−17⋅8%) accounts for 80% of the global burden of OA.
Aim: To explorethe knowledge, self-management practices and the educational needs of elderly patients with KOA.
Method: A qualitative research using a focus group discussion methodology with a questionnaire guide. Participants included 16 knee osteoarthritis patients in the orthopedics unit physiotherapy department at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin city, Nigeria. The socio-demographic details of the patients were obtained and the qualitative data was thematically analysed using Nvivo version 12 software.Age of KOA patients were 65 years and above. Four themes emerged from the study, and they include: (1) Perception of KOA: The theme was further divided into four sub-themes: description of the condition, signs and symptoms, perceived causes, and provoking factors of the condition. (2) Impact of KOA on elderly patients: The theme was further divided into two sub-themes: limitations in activities of daily living and restrictions in participation in sociocultural activities. (3) Management approaches: The theme was further divided into three sub-themes: pain relievers and local mixtures, physiotherapy and exercises and nutrition and weight management. and (4) Knowledge needs of elderly patients about KOA: The theme was further divided into the condition, self-management approaches and healthy lifestyle.
Results: The elderly people with KOA show poor knowledge of the condition even though they correctly described the symptoms, they have poor knowledge of the causes and risk factors. The condition affected their activities of daily living and social, cultural, and religious participation. However, they were compliant with doctors and physiotherapists advice and counselling and were adherent to their therapy and exercise regime.
Conclusion: Due to the poor knowledge of the condition, elderly people require knowledge about the condition, self-management skills, and lifestyle modification practices.
Keywords: Knowledge, Self-management, Elderly patients, Knee osteoarthritis.
