Osteoarthritis - general understanding of osetoarthritis and importance of adherence to its treatment amongst students and staff from University of Wolverhampton
Abstract
Background: OA is the commonest form of arthritis, affecting around 8.75 million people in the UK and a leading cause of pain and disability worldwide. According to the charity Arthritis Care, approximately 27,000 arthritis sufferers are under 25 years of age and, of these, around 12,000 are children. Pharmacists play a significant role in recognising early signs of OA, as early diagnosis can prevent unnecessary damage and limiting problems in the future and providing advice on medicines and lifestyle measures to ease symptoms. Aims: The aim of this study is to determine any differences in the general understanding of osteoarthritis condition and the importance of adherence to its treatments amongst students of varying educational backgrounds and staff. Settings and Design: Cross section study done by distributed a well-structured questionnaire designed specifically to this study and distributed to a random sample of population in UoW. Methods and Material: A structured questionnaire was designed for data collection by the student researcher based upon review of literature under the guidance of the project supervisor. It includes four parts of 20 multiple – choice style questions and 1 question for any other comments regarding the study or OA. Questionnaire was distributed to those who voluntarily stopped at a stand display. Results: Out of 50 participants there were 17 (34%) males and 33 (66%) females with common age group (< 22) years with percentage of (46%), most of participants were Asian/Asian British 16 (32%).(60%) of participants have heard about OA. Questions based on general understanding of OA and treatments such as part of joint affected, some signs and symptoms and medications yielded poor results. However, questions based on some signs and symptoms, some non - pharmacological treatment medications and life style changes achieved higher results. Participants had limited knowledge of some non – pharmacological treatments used in OA. Conclusion: This study shows that students and staff have an average general understanding about OA. Education, advice and access to information about OA are important. More programs about risk factors, lifestyle changes, causes and complications of OA should be implemented especially during national health awareness day to educate students and staff about the condition.Citation
Otchere, P., Morrissey, H. and Ball, P. A. (2019) Osteoarthritis - general understanding of osetoarthritis and importance of adherence to its treatment amongst students and staff from University of Wolverhampton, International Journal of Current Research, 11(0), pp. 3242-3248.Journal
International Journal of Current ResearchAdditional Links
http://www.journalcra.com/article/osteoarthritis-general-understanding-osteoarthritis-and-importance-adherence-its-treatmentType
Journal articleLanguage
enISSN
0975-833Xae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.24941/ijcr.35130.04.2019
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