Gout Arthritis Research Articles

Gut microbiota mediated the therapeutic efficiency of Simiao decoction in the treatment of gout arthritis mice

BackgroundGut microbiota plays a significant role in the development and treatment of gouty arthritis. Simiao decoction has been shown to alleviate gouty arthritis by inhibiting inflammation, regulating NLRP3 inflammasome, and altering gut microbiota. However, there is no evidence to prove whether gut microbiota directly mediates the therapeutic efficiency of Simiao decoction in treating gout arthritis.MethodsIn this study, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was used to transfer the gut microbiota of gout arthritis mice treated with Simiao decoction or allopurinol to blank gout arthritis mice, in order to investigate whether FMT had therapeutic effects on gout arthritis.ResultsBoth Simiao decoction and allopurinol effectively reduced the levels of serum uric acid, liver XOD activity, foot thickness, serum IL-1β, and G-CSF in gout arthritis mice. However, Simiao decoction also had additional benefits, including raising the pain threshold, reducing serum TNF-α and IL-6, alleviating gut inflammation, and repairing intestinal pathology, which were not observed with allopurinol treatment. Moreover, Simiao decoction had a greater impact on gut microbiota than allopurinol, as it was able to restore the abundance of phylum Proteobacteria and genus Helicobacter. After transplantation into gout arthritis mice, gut microbiota altered by Simiao decoction exhibited similar therapeutic effects to those of Simiao decoction, but gut microbiota altered by allopurinol showed no therapeutic effect.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrates that Simiao decoction can alleviate gout arthritis symptoms by regulating gut microbiota.

Risk Factor Analysis of Gout Arthritis

Gout arthritis is an inflammatory disease in the joints, which is still very high and is still a public health problem, especially in Indonesia with a high prevalence. This study aims to determine the risk factors that influence the incidence of Gout arthritis. Quantitative research with a case control study approach. A sample of 60 respondents was 30 each for the case and control groups. The instrument used in this study was in the form of a questionnaire or questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test. Genetic statistical test results with values p = 0.002 (<0.05) OR = 6.909 (95% Cl 2.160-22.098), while uric acid levels and purine consumption with p values = 0.558 (>0.05), OR = 1.556 (95% Cl 0.534-4.532) and p = 0.055 (>0.05), OR = 3,500 (95% Cl 1,112-11,017). The conclusion that genetics have a significant influence, while uric acid levels and foods containing purines have no influence on Gout arthritis

Assessment and Management of Atraumatic First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Pain.

Nontraumatic pain in the first metatarsophalangeal joint is frequent and can be debilitating. The metatarsophalangeal joint complex comprises four articulating surfaces including the first metatarsal, the proximal phalanx, and tibial and fibular sesamoids, which are all contained within a synovial capsule. The most common causes of pain are hallux valgus and hallux rigidus. However, other diagnoses, such as functional hallux limitus, sesamoiditis, gout, and inflammatory autoimmune arthritis, need to be considered as well. A systematic approach is key to accurately diagnose the source of pain, which can sometimes be the result of more than one condition. The most important clinical information to obtain is a focused history, meticulous clinical examination based on understanding the precise anatomy and biomechanics of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, and analysis of the relevant imaging. Each pathology has a different treatment algorithm, as such, understanding the pathoanatomy and biomechanics is important in forming an effective treatment plan.

Impact of Hyper- and Hypo-Uricemia on Kidney Function.

Uric acid (UA) forms monosodium urate (MSU) crystals to exert proinflammatory actions, thus causing gout arthritis, urolithiasis, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. UA is also one of the most potent antioxidants that suppresses oxidative stress. Hyper andhypouricemia are caused by genetic mutations or polymorphism. Hyperuricemia increases urinary UA concentration and is frequently associated with urolithiasis, which is augmented by low urinary pH. Renal hypouricemia (RHU) is associated with renal stones by increased level of urinary UA, which correlates with the impaired tubular reabsorption of UA. Hyperuricemia causes gout nephropathy, characterized by renal interstitium and tubular damage because MSU precipitates in the tubules. RHU is also frequently associated with tubular damage with elevated urinary beta2-microglobulin due to increased urinary UA concentration, which is related to impaired tubular UA reabsorption through URAT1. Hyperuricemia could induce renal arteriopathy and reduce renal blood flow, while increasing urinary albumin excretion, which is correlated with plasma xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) activity. RHU is associated with exercise-induced kidney injury, since low levels of SUA could induce the vasoconstriction of the kidney and the enhanced urinary UA excretion could form intratubular precipitation. A U-shaped association of SUA with organ damage is observed in patients with kidney diseases related to impaired endothelial function. Under hyperuricemia, intracellular UA, MSU crystals, and XOR could reduce NO and activate several proinflammatory signals, impairing endothelial functions. Under hypouricemia, the genetic and pharmacological depletion of UA could impair the NO-dependent and independent endothelial functions, suggesting that RHU and secondary hypouricemia might be a risk factor for the loss of kidney functions. In order to protect kidney functions in hyperuricemic patients, the use of urate lowering agents could be recommended to target SUA below 6 mg/dL. In order to protect the kidney functions in RHU patients, hydration and urinary alkalization may be recommended, and in some cases an XOR inhibitor might be recommended in order to reduce oxidative stress.

Pengaruh Serai (Cymbopogon Citratus) Terhadap Penurunan Nyeri Gout Athritis pada Masyarakat di Kelurahan Winenet Satu Kota Bitung

People with gout arthritis complain of pain in the joints, toes, hands, knees and have never used lemongrass water to reduce joint pain and choose analgesic drugs as pain relief. Lemongrass plant contains essential oil that has chemical properties and pharmacological effects, namely a spicy and warm taste as an anti- inflammatory and relieving analgesic pain.. The purpose of this research was to find out the effect of lemongrass (cymbopogon citratus) on the reduction of gout arthritis pain in The Community In The 1st Winenet Village, Bitung. This research used a pre experimental method with one group pretest-posttest design. The population were residents who suffered from gout arthritis and who experienced joint pain. Sampling using a purposive sampling technique with the number of samples were 12 respondents using the Lamesho formula. The instruments used in this research were observation sheets and pain intensity scale measurement sheets using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). The collected data was processed by running the computer program be analyzed by a Wilcoxon Signed Rank test with the significance level α = 0,05.The results of this research indicated that there are differences in pain intensity before and after giving lemongrass, with a ρ value (0,001) < (0,05), meaning that there is an effect of giving lemongrass on reducing gout arthritis pain.The conclusion of this research is that lemongrass can be used as a non- pharmacological therapy to reduce pain in gout arthritis. It is expected that the result of this research will be useful in reducing pain in patients with gout arthritis and can be used as an additional reference for further research.
 

The Compounds of Tuna-Shredded (<i>Thunnus</i> sp.) Fortified Banana Blossom Extracts’ Antioxidant Activity and Xanthine Oxidase Enzyme Inhibition Capacity: An <i>In Vitro-In Silico</i> Study

Tuna is one of the fish source of nutrition for humans because it contains high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for health. Tuna can be processed into various products, such as tuna-shredded. But it still has a drawback, i.e., the lower-fiber content. To enrich the fiber of tuna-shredded, fortification with banana blossoms can be developed as functional food such as preventing gout arthritis. The aims of this study were to develop a diversified product of tuna-shredded fortified banana blossoms and to determine the antioxidant activity in vitro and anti-arthritis gout through inhibition of the xanthine oxidase (XO) enzyme in silico. The method used was a simple, completely randomized design. The formulation of tuna-shredded used fortification and active compounds analyzed by LC-HRMS. The antioxidant activity was analyzed by the DPPH. Inhibition of the XO enzyme was analyzed by molecular docking in silico. The results showed that tuna-shredded extract contained 32 compounds, which had total phenolic was 0.00134 mg GAE/g, total flavonoid was 0.0006670 mg QE/g, and IC50 was 4.38 ppm. Ferulic acid had the potential to inhibit the XO enzyme with binding affinity was -9.70 kcal/mol through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions.

Edukasi Kesehatan Untuk Mengatasi Defisit Pengetahuan Pada Pasien Gout Arthritis

Gout arthritis is a rheumatic disease that ranks third after rheumatoid arthritis. Gout arthritis is caused when the body has high levels of uric acid due to increased breakdown of purines. Purines are found in many foods and drinks. Therefore. It is important to provide education to the elderly regarding food and drink that is good for consumption so that inflammation and severe pain do not occur in the elderly who have gout arthritis / gout. The method of implementing this community service is in the form of providing education in the form of counseling assisted by giving leaflets to every community who visits Posyandu Dahlia, Bontomakio Village, Rappocini District, which is attended by 23 participants. The result obtained in this activity is that there is public awareness to improve behavior or eating patterns that have been applied so far. Participants who took part in this activity looked enthusiastic and motivated in living a healthy life to improve their health status.

MRI EVALUATION OF WRIST JOINT PATHOLOGIES IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH CHRONIC PAINFUL WRIST.

Background: MRI is an efcient approach for assisting in the diagnosis of chronic wrist pain. Due to its high resolution, multiplanar imaging capabilities & no use of ionizing radiation, MRI is useful for evaluating different ligaments, tendons, carpal tunnel, articular cartilage, and bone marrow in wrist joint. MRI is useful in the identication, characterization, and staging of osseous damage and illness. This is Material & methods: cross sectional descriptive study performed in tertiary care hospital during year 2021-22. In this study, 50 patients presenting with chronic wrist pain without trauma underwent MRI wrist. Wrist joint & its pathologies in these patients were evaluated on 3T MRI scanner. In this study Results: 20% cases were diagnosed with tendinitis followed by 18% cases were diagnosed with Tenosynovitis, 16% cases with Ganglion cyst, 10% cases with carpal tunnel syndrome, 8% cases with degenerative TFCC tear, 6% cases with RA, 4% each cases with GCT, Gout, Osteoid osteoma and TB arthritis respectively and 2% each cases were diagnosed with infective arthritis, Kienbock's disease and simple osseous cyst respectively. Conclusion: 1) MRI wrist joint with 3D imaging is a radiation free imaging technique which is very useful in diagnosing different pathologies of wrist joint. 2) MRI is important modality to diagnose precisely the various non traumatic pathologies of wrist joint causing chronic pain. 3) It is a radiation free technique which is very helpful for the conclusive diagnosis & further treatment of the patient.

SPASIAL DISTRIBUTION OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY AND DESCRIPTION OF WATER-RELATED DISEASES IN BRINGKENG VILLAGE, KAWUNGANTEN DISTRICT, CILACAP REGENCY

Access to clean water is fundamental for the population health, but for many rural and remote areas in Indonesia include Cilacap Regency those accesses are still limited. Furthermore, studies that assess the water quality in remote and rural areas in Indonesia are still lacking. Most of the people in Cilacap regency use dug wells and ponds as sources of clean water. Preliminary observations indicate that well and pond water smells fishy, reddish-yellow, or brownish. This condition indicates high iron levels. The test results showed that the iron content exceeded the standard in the pond in Sumbereja Hamlet, RT 03 RW 02, which was 9.8 mg/l (standard quality of 1 mg/l). This study aims to determine the spatial distribution of the water quality and the health-related problems in the rural areas of Cilacap Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. This was a descriptive observational study with a cross-sectional approach. We purposely sampled 40 wells and ponds located in Bringkeng Village, Cilacap Regency, Indonesia and assess the water quality by measuring the level. The results showed the lowest and the highest level of TDS (125.90-5090 mg/l), color (40 -2047 TCU), iron (0.16-6.45 mg/l), manganese (<0.1- 3.61 mg/l). Health problems experienced by respondents and or their families during the last three months, namely 3 people with diarrhea, 7 people with diabetes, 12 people with gout arthritis, 10 people with hypertension, 1 person with nervous system disorders, and 7 people with dry skin disorders/scaly. All dug wells and ponds did not meet the quality standards based on TDS, color, iron, and manganese levels. Water from dug wells and ponds needs special treatment to obtain water that is suitable for hygiene and sanitation purposes.

Role of NLRP3 in the pathogenesis and treatment of gout arthritis.

Gout arthritis (GA) is a common and curable type of inflammatory arthritis that has been attributed to a combination of genetic, environmental and metabolic factors. Chronic deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in articular and periarticular spaces as well as subsequent activation of innate immune system in the condition of persistent hyperuricemia are the core mechanisms of GA. As is well known, drugs for GA therapy primarily consists of rapidly acting anti-inflammatory agents and life-long uric acid lowering agents, and their therapeutic outcomes are far from satisfactory. Although MSU crystals in articular cartilage detected by arthrosonography or in synovial fluid found by polarization microscopy are conclusive proofs for GA, the exact molecular mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the course of GA still remains mysterious, severely restricting the early diagnosis and therapy of GA. On the one hand, the activation of Nod-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome requires nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)-dependent transcriptional enhancement of NLRP3, precursor (pro)-caspase-1 and pro-IL-1β, as well as the assembly of NLRP3 inflammasome complex and sustained release of inflammatory mediators and cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-18 and caspase-1. On the other hand, NLRP3 inflammasome activated by MSU crystals is particularly relevant to the initiation and progression of GA, and thus may represent a prospective diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target. As a result, pharmacological inhibition of the assembly and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome may also be a promising avenue for GA therapy. Herein, we first introduced the functional role of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and relevant biological mechanisms in GA based on currently available evidence. Then, we systematically reviewed therapeutic strategies for targeting NLRP3 by potentially effective agents such as natural products, novel compounds and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the treatment of MSU-induced GA mouse models. In conclusion, our present review may have significant implications for the pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapy of GA.

Nursing Intervention of Red Ginger Warm Compress To Reduce Pain Levels In The Elderly

Background: Gout arthritis or often known by the public as uric acid is a degenerative problem that attacks the joints and is most often found in society, especially in the elderly. Often found complaints of joint pain in gout sufferers, the way to deal with pain is by warm compresses of red ginger. The goal is to reduce pain and improve blood circulation. Methods: Case study by providing nursing care to Mrs.S who is 60 years old with complaints of joint pain. Results: Based on a case study conducted by the author for 7 days, joint pain due to increased uric acid was reduced from pain scale 5 to scale 1. Conclusion: Giving red ginger warm compresses regularly can inhibit prostaglandin synthesis so as to reduce joint pain or tension muscle because it contains olerasin, namely gingerol, zingeron and shogaol.

RISK FACTOR FOR GOUT AND PREVENTION : A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Due to the supersaturation of uric acid, monosodium urate monohydrate crystals accumulate in the tissues, causing gout. Gout is characterized by elevated serum urate levels, acute gouty arthritic episodes, the production of tophi, gouty nephropathy, and uric acid stones. Until now there is no definite percentage/number of people with gout arthritis in the world, due to differences in research sampling methods in determining the number of sufferers of this disease. However, especially in America, there has been a significant increase in cases of gouty arthritis in the last 10 years. Uric acid is a waste product created by the body when renewing cells of gout patients produce more uric acid in the body and the body is unable to eliminate uric acid through urine, causing uric acid to accumulate in the blood. Significant roles are played by genetics, gender, and diet (alcohol intake, obesity) in the development of gout. The underlying cause of hyperuricemia determines the elements that lead to the development of gout. A diet heavy in purines can precipitate gout episodes in individuals with congenital defects in purine metabolism that result in elevated uric acid generation. Many risk factors for gout have been identified via research, including alcohol risk behavior (only in males), body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate, triglycerides, and triglyceride levels. Gout sufferers should avoid uric acid-raising meals and beverages. The patient drinks plenty of water. Gout sufferers should exercise regularly. To maintain weight, walk 150 minutes per week or 30 minutes each day. Avoid uric acid-raising medications like hydrochlorothiazide, aspirin, and cyclosporine.

Downregulation of Sox8 mediates monosodium urate crystal-induced autophagic impairment of cartilage in gout arthritis

The deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in arthritic joints of gout seriously damages cartilage. This study aimed to investigate whether MSU crystal-induced cartilage impairment was related to autophagic signaling. mRNAs of cartilage from MSU-induced gouty arthritis rat model were sequenced. MSU crystal-treated human chondrocytes were used to evaluate the function of Sox8. The recombinant Sox8 lentiviral vector (lenti-Sox8) was applied to upregulate the expression of Sox8. Transfection of the mRFP-GFP-LC3 plasmid was evaluated by confocal microscopy. The autophagic vacuoles were stained with monodansylcadaverine and examined by flow cytometry. The morphology of autophagosomes was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The ratio of LC3-II/I in the presence or absence of bafilomycin A1 and the expression levels of Beclin1, Sox8, p-PI3K, PI3K, p-AKT, AKT, p-mTOR, and mTOR were detected by Western blot. In vivo, the effect of Sox8 on cartilage of acute gouty model rats was evaluated by safranin-O/fast green staining and Western blot. The expression of Sox8 was significantly downregulated both in vivo and in vitro. In chondrocytes, MSU crystals reduced the expression of Sox8, inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, and increased the level of autophagy. Overexpression of Sox8 notably inhibited MSU crystal-induced autophagy by rescuing the phosphorylation levels in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. In vivo, overexpression of Sox8 remarkably alleviated cartilage damage in acute gouty model rats. These results indicate that downregulation of Sox8 plays an important role in MSU-induced chondrocyte autophagy by modulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, and overexpression of Sox8 may serve as a novel therapy to prevent the impairment of cartilage in gout arthritis.

Efficacy of Virechana in Treating Raised Uric Acid Level in Gouty Arthritis - A Cohort Study

Vatarakta is a disorder predominantly affecting the joints with presenting symptoms like Sandhishula (pain), Sandhi shotha (swelling), Sandhi Graha (stiffness) Sparsh-asahishnuta (tenderness). Vatarakta in modern view has similarity with Gouty Arthritis. Gout and gouty arthritis though much prevalent in the western countries, it is not uncommon in India. The occurrence of Gout and gouty arthritis is common in the post pubertal males, and post-menopausal females. Hyperuricemia is a predisposing factor for the manifestation of gouty arthritis. The prevalence of gout varies between populations but is around 1% with a strong male predominance (10:1). As treatment given in modern is quite toxic this study on Vatarakta was taken up to find out the possible effects of Ayurvedic therapies in its management. Virechana is one of the Shodhana chikitsa in the management of Vatarakta. The objectives of the study were to study the efficacy of Virechana in reducing the raised uric acid level. Materials and Methods: 20 patients were included in this clinical study. Subjects were given Panchatikta guggulu ghrita for Snehapana, followed by Sarvanga abhyanga with Balaguduchyadi taila and Virechana with Nimbamrita Eranda taila. The total duration of the study was 7 days and follow up was done after 1 week. The assessment was carried based on subjective parameters like Sandhishoola, Sandhigraha and objective parameters like Twak Vaivarnyata, Sparshasahatwa, serum uric acid level, and McGill’s pain scale was done before and after treatment. Results were statistically analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Significant results were observed in subjective parameters such as Sandhishoola (85.6%) and Sandhigraha (75%) as well as objective parameter like twak Vaivarnyata (86.4%), Sparshasahatwa (90%), 32.8% serum uric acid level (32.8%), Mac gills pain scale (50%). Conclusion: Virechana with Nimbamritadi eranda taila was effective in the management of Gouty arthritis.

OPIOID IN THE PAIN MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE GOUT ARTHRITIS: FRIEND OR FOE?

Introduction: Intense and severe pain is the most common symptom of acute gout arthritis (GA) flare. A recent study revealed that opioids are commonly prescribed for acute gout flare.
 Objective: This review aims to explain current evidence of opioid usage in the management of pain for acute GA flare.
 Method: The literature search was conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar in June 2022. Relevant articles published in the last 10 years were included.
 Results: The evidence of opioid use in managing acute gout arthritis flares is scarce. Currently, no guidelines recommend opioids as an initial analgesic choice in managing acute GA flare. Opioids are indicated in the flare with severe kidney dysfunction if only oral corticosteroids and intra-articular corticosteroids are not effective in reducing pain. Conclusion: Opioids should be used as only adjuvant and last choice in selected cases.

Risk of gout attack not increased in patients with thalassemia: a population-based cohort study

The incidence of gout arthritis in patients with thalassemia and the association between them was indefinite. We aimed to give epidemiological evidence regarding the association between thalassemia and gout arthritis. This retrospective cohort study extracted data relating to the risk of gout arthritis from patients diagnosed with thalassemia between 2000 and 2013. We selected the control group at a ratio of 1:4 by propensity score matching (PSM). Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were performed to analyze the association between thalassemia and gout arthritis and to evaluate the hazard ratio (HR) of gout arthritis after exposure with thalassemia. The sensitivity analysis was performed to avoid the mislabeled thalassemia disease, the transfusion-dependent thalassemia was classified to compare the risk of gout arthritis. The secondary outcome for the risk of gout arthritis with antigout drugs treatment was also evaluated between study groups. In the age and sex matched cohort, the majority of thalassemia patients were women (62.03%) and aged younger than 30 years old (44.79%). There were 138 (4.2%) and 500 (3.8%) incident cases of gout arthritis in the thalassemia and non-thalassemia group. After PSM, the incidence rate, per 100 person-years, of gout arthritis was 0.48 (95% CI 0.42 to 0.56) and 0.60 (95% CI 0.51 to 0.72) in non-thalassemia individuals and patients with thalassemia, respectively. In the Cox proportional hazard regression, patients with thalassemia had no significant increase in the risk of gout arthritis (adjusted HR, 1.00; 95%CI: 0.80 to 1.25) after adjusting demographic variables and comorbidities. The Kaplan–Meier curve showed that the cumulative incidence of gout arthritis was not a significant difference in the thalassemia group than in the comparison group (p > 0.05). The sensitivity analysis showed the consistent results about the risk of gout arthritis in patients with thalassemia. Our study indicated that there was no significant increase in the risk of gout arthritis in subjects with thalassemia.Future research needs to clarify the biological mechanisms behind this connection.

COMPARISON OF URIC ACID LEVELS IN MAN AND WOMAN AGED 45-60 YEARS

Gout arthritis is a progressive disease due to the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in joints, kidneys, and other connective tissues as a result of chronic hyperuricemia. The purpose of this study was to compare uric acid levels in men and women aged 45-60 years.The type of research used in this research is observational analytic with a quantitative approach and the method used in this research is Enzymatic Colorimetric (Uricase). This method uses the aid of a spectrophotometer to measure uric acid levels. The spectrophotometer used in this research is Pentra C200.The results of the research conducted at the UPTD Balai LABKESDA Gorontalo Province showed that abnormal uric acid levels were more in men than uric acid levels in women where the abnormal number in men was 7 respondents and in women only 4 respondents. This is because men have a higher risk of developing gout compared to women whose risk will be the same as men when entering the age or period of menopause.

The Implementation of Health Education Interventions to Improve Family Knowledge about Pain Management in Gout Arthritis

Gout arthritis is a condition characterised by recurrent attacks of the joints accompanied by crystal deposits. Age, gender, medical history, obesity, diet, and alcohol are the main factors of gout arthritis. Pain management is one strategy used to prevent gout. But few clients are informed of how to apply pain management, thus health education is required to improve client awareness. The goal of this case study is to determine the degree of knowledge before and after receiving health education about pain management. It does this through a descriptive technique using a pretest and posttest design. Data collection used a questionnaire on 2 subjects who had been diagnosed with gout arthritis. The results of the case study showed an increase in family knowledge after being given health education, namely subject 1 scored 48% (low knowledge) to 88% (good knowledge), while subject 2 scored 60% (sufficient knowledge) to 80% (good knowledge). This case study recommends the importance of health education to families with gout arthritis on a scheduled basis which is carried out by health workers

Improving Self-Efficacy of Gout Arthritis Sufferers with Self-Help Group

Improving Self-Efficacy of Gout Arthritis Sufferers with Self-Help Group

Family Caregiver Support Program to Increase Quality Care Among the Geriatric Population

Aims: This study aimed to determine the effect of providing support programs to family caregivers on the quality of care for the elderly with chronic diseases in Pandansari Village, Poncokusumo District, Malang Regency. Methods: The study used a pre-experimental with one group pretest-posttest research design approach in 7 weeks from July-September 2022. The total sample size was 50 respondents using purposive sampling technique. The selected sample must fulfill criteria’s, includes: 1) an informal caregiver who lives with the elderly, 2) takes care of the elderly with chronic diseases, and 3) not suffering from chronic diseases itself. The WHO-QOL BREF questionnaire was used to collect data on the quality of life before and after the provision of support programs. Analysis includes univariate and bivariate. Bivariate using the Wilcoxon test. Results: In this study, the caregivers are all women (100%) and most of the elderly are women (60.0%), the chronic diseases are Hypertension 66% and Gout Arthritis 34%. The results of this study indicate a significant effect of providing family caregiver support programs on the quality of care for the elderly with chronic diseases based on the quality of life indicators (p: 0.0001). Conclusion: Family support programs influence the quality of care in terms of improving the quality of life of the elderly. Discussion: In caring for the elderly with chronic diseases, family caregivers can take advantage of family support programs. Furthermore, this research is expected to provide insights and ideas for further research especially the development of support programs for caregivers of families with other chronic diseases.