A comparative study to assess the effectiveness of selected nursing strategies versus acupressure and the quality of life on osteoarthritis among geriatric clients residing in selected old age homes in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Osteoarthritis has been increasing steadily and the common problem which is prevalent in India indicates the higher level of risk due to symptoms among geriatric clients. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and the major cause of physical activity limitation, physical disability and poor quality of life in older people. It constitutes a serious hazard in all the aspects of individual life including health, family, occupational, social, financial. Changes in life style, increase in aging, muscle dysfunction, repetitive mechanical loads and along with poor level of awareness related to prevention has contributed to increase in incidence and contributed to osteoarthritis. Most significant musculo skeletal problems in Tamil Nadu is osteoarthritis of the knee, which is increased remarkably due to lack of awareness and knowledge of risk factors and related diseases. The theoretical framework used in this study was based on Widen Bach s clinical nursing theory. The sample size of the study was 352geriatric clients, the instrument used for data collection were a structured interview to collect demographic variable. Assessment of level of osteoarthritis was measured by Western Ontario MC Master Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Scale and quality of life was assessed by EQ-5D, Quality of life scale. Selected nursing strategies (Experimental group I) and Acupressure (Experimental group II) was given to geriatric clients on individual basis. Assessment of Effectiveness of selected nursing strategies and Acupressure and on level of osteoarthritis was measured by using same pre test scale. Selected nursing strategies and Acupressure is an effective intervention to reduce the level of osteoarthritis among geriatric clients. But selected nursing strategies was more effective than acupressure on osteoarthritis and the quality of life was improved among geriatric clients. The result of the study showed that regular practice of selected nursing strategies and acupressure would be beneficial in reducing the osteoarthritis symptoms.