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

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.