A Survey on Experience and Illness Management of Rural Women with Osteoarthritis

Son, Jung Tae; Park, Sang Youn

Abstract

PURPOSE: This descriptive survey was done to assess how rural women with osteoarthritis perceive their symptoms, what are their treatment preferences, and how they manage their illness. METHOD: Individual interviews were carried out with 205 women with osteoarthritis living in rural areas. Structured questionnaires were used and the interviewers were 7 trained research assistants. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis with SPSS win 11.5 program.
RESULTS
Of the respondents, 68.8% were overweight and 15.1% were obese, 86.9% reported pain in the knees, low back, and shoulders and the average pain score was 66.06. Those knowing the exact diagnosis accounted for 73.7% of the respondents but only 49.7% reported receiving medical treatments, and 40.2% who received treatment adhered to their prescription. Folk medicines were used by 14.1% of the respondents, but 65.2% among them reported that folk medicines were not effective. Exercise 2.03 times per week was reported by 17.1% of the respondents and 48.6% reported preferring to walk.
CONCLUSION
Women with osteoarthritis in rural areas need a rehabilitative care program focused on exercise. The community health care system in the rural area should deliver optimal health care for this population. The results of this study can be used as a basis for planning intervention programs for women with osteoarthritis in the rural area.