Experience of the COVID-19 pandemic as lived by patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis: an Italian qualitative study

Objective To examine the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic as lived by people with hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA), in Italy. Design A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews. Setting Urban and suburban areas in northern Italy. Participants A total of 11 people with OA were enrolled through a purposeful sampling and completed the study. Primary outcome measure The experience of Italian people with OA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Four themes were brought to the forefront from the analysis of the interviews. (1) Being Stressed for the Limited Social Interactions and for the Family Members at High Risk of Infection, as the interviewees were frustrated because they could not see their loved ones or felt a sense of apprehension for their relatives. (2) Recurring Strategies to Cope with the Pandemic such as an active acceptance towards the situation. (3) Being Limited in the Possibility of Undergoing OA Complementary Treatments and Other Routine Medical Visits. (4) Being Unaware of the Importance of Physical Activity as First-Line Interventions which was an attitude already present before the pandemic. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions impacted the quality of life and the care of individuals with hip and knee OA. The social sphere seemed to be the most hindered. However, the interviewees developed a good level of acceptance to deal with the pandemic. When it came to their care, they faced a delay of routine medical visits not related to OA and of other complementary treatments (eg, physical therapies) to manage OA. Finally, a controversial result that emerged from these interviews was that first-line interventions for OA (ie, therapeutic exercise) was not sought by the interviewees, regardless of the restrictions dictated by the pandemic. Policy-making strategies are thus necessary to support the awareness of the importance of such interventions.

Automated summary

The study reveals the challenges faced by people with hip and knee osteoarthritis in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic, including limited social interactions and restricted access to healthcare services. Despite these difficulties, participants showed a positive attitude towards coping with the situation. It also highlights the importance of policy-making strategies to raise awareness about the significance of first-line interventions for osteoarthritis.