A quasi-experimental study on improving arthritis self-management for residents of an aged people's home in Hong Kong

Abstract

Arthritis is one of the most prevalent activity-limiting conditions among older persons in developed countries. The aim of this quasi-experimental study was to assess the effect of an Arthritis Self-Management Programme (ASMP) on residents in a home for elderly people in Hong Kong. Forty-two residents completed baseline assessment. Thirty-seven residents (88.0%) completed the ASMP course, 1 and 16 week post-intervention questionnaires and assessment. There were 16 residents in the control group and 21 residents in the intervention group. Residents in the intervention group received a 6-week ASMP course. The conventional ASMP course was followed except that we emphasized and coached Tai Chi movements during the last three sessions. Outcome measures included arthritis self-efficacy, arthritis pain rating, functional and emotional status. At 16 weeks, there was significant increased overall arthritis self-efficacy score (p = 0.05), reduction of current arthritis pain rating (p = 0.05), improvement from baseline in quadriceps muscle strength (p = 0.03) and hamstring muscle strength (p = 0.02). However, there were no other significant improvements from baseline between the intervention and control groups. Our findings suggest that a self-management programme is effective in enhancing overall self-efficacy to manage arthritis, improving muscle strength and reducing arthritis pain among older people in long-term care settings.

Acknowledgement

We would like to acknowledge the partial support of the SN, Departmental Research Committee for this study. The authors would also like to thank Ms. Carol Chan, Ms. Amy Lay, Ms. Pat Ng, Ms. Karen Szeto, Ms. Alice Tsang and Ms. Ada Tam for their contributions to the production of educational materials and fieldwork for this study. The authors also gratefully acknowledge Mr. Tony Chan for his thoughtful discussion especially on the analysis and Ms. Mary Day and Mr. Ian Dunn for English proof-reading and suggestions on refinement of the manuscript. Additionally, the study would not have been possible without the co-operation of the aged people's home residents who participated.