Back to Annual Meeting

Back to Annual Meeting

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Cheryl Der Ananian, PhD, Center for Research on Health and Aging, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1747 W. Roosevelt Rd. Room 558, Chicago, IL 60608, 312-996-5897, cderanan@uic.edu and Sara Wilcox, PhD, Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, 1300 Wheat Street (Blatt Center), Columbia, SC 29208.

Understanding how arthritis impacts people with the illness and how they manage it is important for designing intervention and self-management programs. Purpose: As part of a qualitative study examining factors that influence exercise, this study aims to compare and contrast the impact of arthritis and the management strategies used by exercisers, insufficiently active individuals and non-exercisers. Methods: Seven focus groups (n = 46), segmented by exercise status and education, were conducted among people with arthritis. Discussions were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and coded and analyzed with NVivo ® Software. Results: Pain and mobility limitations were the most frequently discussed physical impacts of arthritis. Exercisers tended to describe previous pain and mobility limitations, whereas insufficiently active individuals and non-exercisers discussed current limitations. Participants across the exercise stratum described negative mood as the main psychological impact of arthritis. Insufficiently active individuals, in particular, attributed their negative mood to pain. A decreased ability to work and take care of others were the primary social impacts described by insufficiently active individuals and non-exercisers. Pain management was the primary goal of disease management. Medication use, alternative therapy, heat and exercise were the most commonly described management strategies. Over-the-counter and/or prescription medication use was the most commonly discussed management strategy, although not all participants reported successful results. Insufficiently active individuals and non-exercisers were more likely to describe difficulties finding the “right” medication. Conclusions: Identifying strategies to enhance pain management including pharmacological techniques, alternative therapies and cognitive behavioral approaches is essential for reducing the overall impact of arthritis.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant (learner) will be able to

• List the main physical, mental and social impacts of arthritis.
• List the management strategies used by people with arthritis.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered