Chronic disease is a major concern with an aging population, and arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases affecting 10% of the population. Self-management can be appropriate to relieve the outcome of osteoarthritis as one of the most suitable approaches in people with chronic diseases. This study aimed to determine the effect of self-management education programs on the outcome of knee osteoarthritis in adult patients.
Eighty participants were randomized into either control (40) or intervention (40) groups. Initially, demographic data and outcome of knee osteoarthriti datas were collected. The intervention group was then offered a self-management program. After completing the education, the KOOS questionnaire was completed by both groups. The intervention group practiced the self-management program for 8 weeks at their homes. The outcome of knee osteoarthritis in the two groups was then reassessed and compared.
There was no significant difference in the total score of the outcome of knee osteoarthritis before the training of the self-management education program (P > 0.05) between the two groups. After implementation of the self-management education program, the two groups demonstrated significant differences in scores for pain, symptoms, activities of daily living, sport and recreation function, and quality of life (P < 0.001).
Self-management education can improve all outcomes of knee osteoarthritis. Adherence to the proper diet and the use of pain reduction methods along with exercise improve the effects of knee osteoarthritis.