To investigate the possession and use of walking aids among patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), and to identify factors contributing to possession and actual use of these aids
A random sample of 90 patients with OA was derived from a database of 3,500 registered patients. A total of 80 (88.8%) patients with OA completed a questionnaire on possession and use of walking aids. Demographics, disease-related characteristics, and information about possession and use were assessed. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine which factors are associated with the possession and use of walking aids.
Sixty (75%) of the OA patients owned a walking aid. Canes, forearm crutches and walkers were most frequently possessed. Age, frequency of pain, and disability were associated with possessing a walking aid. Of the sixty patients that possess walking aid 25 (41.7%) of them are active walking aid users while the remaining 58.3% are non users. Factors associated with the actual use of an aid included higher age, a high intensity of pain, more disability, decrease in morning stiffness by the aid, and a positive evaluation of the aid
More than half of the patients with OA possess a walking aid. Disability, pain, and age-related impairments seem to determine the need for a walking aid. Nonuse is associated with less need, negative outcome, and negative evaluation of the walking