Development and Evaluation of a Joint Health Self-management Program for the Elderly with Knee Osteoarthritis in Communities: Applying the IMB Model

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a joint health self-management program for knee osteoarthritis elders in communities. Methods: This program was developed based on the IMB (information-motivationbehavioral skills) model. The program methods include education, setting and achieving goals, sharing experiences, telephone counseling, and self-monitoring. The topics of the program include joint assessment, exercise, massage, joint protection, medication, depression management, diet, and healthcare approach. The research was conducted following the principles of the nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. Participants were 26 subjects in the experimental group, and 27 subjects in the control group. The experimental group participated in the self-management program, and the control group received general education. Results: Both post-test scores of personal motivation, social motivation, behavior skill, self-management behavior, joint pain, joint stiffness, physical function disability, right knee extension, left knee extension, and depression were significantly different between the experimental group and the control group. Conclusion: The results of the study can be used to develop and standardize a systematic joint health self-management program. Further research is highly recommended to develop a strategy to continuously facilitate self-management of osteoarthritis patients` procedures.