Introduction: This study aimed to identify information needs for managing osteoarthritis, as comprehensive public awareness of this disease and its non-surgical control methods, such as exercise, weight management, and education, plays a key role in the success of conservative interventions.
Methods: This descriptive qualitative study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, to extract the informational needs required for managing osteoarthritis, relevant studies (15 articles) and websites (35 websites) were reviewed to identify the informational needs. In the second phase, the identified needs were confirmed, finalized, and categorized by obtaining the opinions of experts through semi-structured interviews.
Results: A total of 236 raw informational needs were identified and categorized into five groups: prevention of arthritis, diagnosis of arthritis, treatment of arthritis, rehabilitation, and general issues related to arthritis. Issues such as differentiating between arthritis and other diseases and comorbid conditions, arthroscopy, joint replacement surgery, medical treatments, gel injections, ozone therapy, non-drug treatments such as exercise and physiotherapy, and assistive devices were among the identified needs within these five main categories.
Discussion: Identifying and categorizing valid information for managing OA enhances awareness among at-risk individuals, affected patients, and their families. The classification of individuals’ informational needs for managing osteoarthritis, which is the final output of this study, facilitates access to credible information for individuals.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
Special Received: 2025/04/1 | Accepted: 2025/04/30 | Published: 2025/03/21