E045 Adherence to physiotherapy among patients with knee osteoarthritis in a rheumatology specialized care unit in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Abstract Background/Aims Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disorder that has a significant impact on global health and healthcare resources. Non-pharmacological interventions play a vital role in the management of osteoarthritis, and their effectiveness relies on the patient’s active participation and adherence. But non-adherence to these interventions including physiotherapy has become a recognized problem across the globe. The extent of adherence to physiotherapy specifically in the Sri Lankan population with osteoarthritis has not been assessed to date. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka recruiting 100 patients diagnosed with knee joint osteoarthritis according to the EULAR 2011 Recommendations. General Rehabilitation Adherence Scale (GRAS) was used to score the adherence level to center-based physiotherapy. Home-based physiotherapy adherence was measured using a 5-point scale. Demographic data also were assessed to determine the associations with adherence levels. Data were analysed by using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS). Results The study population consisted of 93% females and 7% males. Center-based physiotherapy adherence according to the GRAS score revealed 53% had a high adherence rate while 8% found poorly adhered to. Of the highly compliant patients, the majority, 35.8% patients were within the 60-69 years age group and 35.8% were housewives. 37.7% were not having co-morbidities. 41.7% have reported a disease duration of 1-5 years. The majority complained that they had poor adherence due to other commitments (36%) followed by and lack of time (34%). The third common cause for the default was transport expenses (26%). 91% of patients had knowledge of home-based physiotherapy activities. Of them, 32% followed the exercise regime as advised and 13% continued it as far as possible. 17% were unable to engage in those at all. As reasons for noncompliance to home therapy, 35% of patients reported having a lack of time and 31% had poor motivation. None of the sociodemographic factors significantly correlated with center-based or home-based physiotherapy adherence. Conclusion The findings indicate that a significant proportion of patients demonstrated high adherence to center-based physiotherapy. Although a majority of patients had knowledge of home-based physiotherapy activities, only a portion followed the prescribed exercise regime. Addressing barriers such as time constraints, commitments, and transportation expenses is crucial. Future research should explore personalized approaches and innovative strategies to enhance engagement and overcome challenges to optimize physiotherapy adherence. Disclosure S.K. Ubhayasiri: None. D. Abeysinghe: None.