The Illness Experience of Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Qualitative Study
Qingsong Zou1, Nuo Chen1, Jingqin Cheng2
1Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.
Objective:
This study employed descriptive qualitative research methods to explore the experiences of patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Methods:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis and scheduled for joint replacement at a tertiary hospital in Shanghai between January 2024 and June 2024. Thematic content analysis was utilised to analyse the interview data.
Results:
The findings were categorised into four main themes and 10 sub-themes: (1) Experience of illness and treatment; (2) The effect of symptoms on the patient; (3) Experience of Negative Emotions; (4) Need for External Support. This study offers an in-depth examination of the experiences and needs of individuals with knee osteoarthritis concerning disease management and treatment.
Conclusion:
Through interviews, we identified multilevel challenges faced by patients in terms of their illness experiences, treatment decisions, lifestyle modifications, and emotional responses. These findings will serve as a valuable reference for developing interventions aimed at improving treatment outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for patients.
