Authors: Philip G Conaghan Mark Porcheret Sarah R Kingsbury Anne Gammon Ashok Soni Michael Hurley Margaret P Rayman Julie Barlow Richard G Hull Jo Cumming Kate Llewelyn Federico Moscogiuri Jane Lyons Fraser Birrell
Publish Date: 2014/06/03
Volume: 34, Issue: 9, Pages: 1581-1588
Abstract
Osteoarthritis OA is the fastest growing cause of disability worldwide The aim of this study was to understand the impact of OA on individuals and to explore current treatment strategies An online UKwide survey of people with selfreported OA was conducted composed of 52 questions exploring the impact of OA diagnosis and treatment the role of health professionals and selfmanagement Four thousand fortythree people were invited with 2001 respondents 49 response 56 women mean age 65 years Fiftytwo percent reported that OA had a large impact on their lives Fifteen percent of respondents had taken early retirement on average 78 years earlier than planned In consultations with general practitioners only half reported a discussion on pain fewer reported discussing their fears 21 or management goals 15 Nearly half 48 reported not seeking medical help until pain was frequently unbearable Oral analgesics 62 topical therapies 47 physiotherapy 38 and steroid injections 28 were commonly used The majority 71 reported varying degrees of persistent pain despite taking all prescribed medication Although 64 knew that increasing exercise was important only 36 acted on this knowledge 87 who increased exercise found it beneficial Over half had future concerns related to mobility 60 maintaining independence 52 and coping with everyday activities 51 OA had significant individual economic impact especially on employment Current treatment strategies still leave most people in pain with significant fears for the future There is considerable opportunity to improve the holistic nature of OA consultations especially in provision of information and promotion of selfmanagement strategiesThe following companies have provided a sponsorship grant towards this independent programme to support OA Nation 2012 AstraZeneca Napp Pharmaceuticals Limited Pfizer Limited and Sanofi These companies have also provided limited support and advice to Arthritis Care in relation to the collation of data for the project However editorial control of materials and decisions regarding OA Nation 2012 remain with Arthritis Care
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