The Effects of Self-Management Program for Older Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis in Angthong Province

Abstract

     This quasi-experimental two groups pretest-posttest design was conducted to examine the effects of a self-management program on older adults with osteoarthritis (OA).  A total of 60 older adults who got the diagnosis of OA and registered at Out Patient Department, from Wisetchaichan hospital and Pamok Hospital, Ang Thong Province participated in the program during June 2018 to August 2018. The experimental group received the eight-week self-management program, consisting of a health education, a manual, a home visit, four telephone follow up, and one experience sharing session. Whereas, the comparison group received the usual care from the hospital. Data were collected before and after the intervention by the researcher using a questionnaire.

     According to paired t-test and independent t-test analysis, the subjects, who received the self-management program and the comparison group had significantly higher mean scores of self-management than before the intervention (p<.001). Besides, they had significantly less mean scores of disease severity than before the intervention (p<.001).  However, the experimental and comparison group had no different mean scores of disease severity (p>.13). The finding supports that community nurse practitioner should apply this program to promote self-management of the older adults with OA in other community to reduce disease severity in order to maintain their quality of life.