The Effect of Multifactorial Intervention Programs on Health Behavior and Symptom Control Among Community-Dwelling Overweight Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis of the knee (OA knee), especially in older adults, is the most common chronic illness and a major public health problem. Overweight older adults are at a high risk of developing OA knee and suffering from OA knee symptoms, which cause older adults to become disabled and have functional limitations. The reduction of knee pain and the maintenance of physical functions of overweight older adults with OA knee are critical. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of multifactorial intervention programs (MUFIPs) on health behavior and symptoms control in overweight older Thais with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Eighty overweight older Thais with knee osteoarthritis living in communities were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received MUFIPs, including health education, a weight-reduction/control program, a quadriceps exercise training class followed by a home-based exercise program, and a home visit program. The control group did not receive the MUFIPs. Changes in the study variables were assessed at baseline and 8-week follow-ups. Data were analyzed by using descriptive and independent t test analyses. RESULTS: The experimental group had significant improvement in osteoarthritis knowledge, illness representation, health behavior, movement ability, and joint range of motion, and had reduction in knee pain and body weight. All these variables were observed to have significant differences between experimental and control groups. CONCLUSION: The MUFIPs can break down the progression of the disease among overweight older Thais with knee osteoarthritis.