Comparative study: integrated home-based nursing intervention for women with knee osteoarthritis versus hospital care intervention

Background: Osteoarthritis) OA (is one of the most common chronic disability diseases which affect patients with high prevalence especially women in Arab world. Aim of the study, first, to evaluate the effectiveness of integrated home-based nursing intervention on osteoarthritis outcomes among women with knee osteoarthritis versus hospital care intervention. Second, to examine the relationship between work activity levels and osteoarthritis scores among studied women. Subjects and Methods: A Quasi-experimental study was used .It conducted in physical medicine and rheumatology outpatient clinic in Menoufia University Hospital. A simple random sample of 150 women with bilateral knee osteoarthritis was included. These women were divided into three groups randomly and matched for age. Results: Regarding to total WOMAC scores, an improvement was among the three groups, however, the improvement was statistically significant was noticed among group II (hospital group). But using walk and balance scales, the improvement of walk and balance scores were much higher in group III (home group). Concerning work activity levels for hospital group, the total WOMAC and balance scores improved among women those with high activity. But women with sedentary life activity scored high in walk scale. While for home group, the total WOMAC and walk, balance scores were improved among women those with high work activity. Conclusion: Although Home-based interventions and Hospital care interventions were successful programs in caring of women with knee osteoarthritis, however, continuation with integrated Home-based nursing interventions after hospital care interventions were efficient programs in managing pain, sign and symptoms for women with knee osteoarthritis. Recommendation: Health education sessions for osteoarthritis patients in out-patient clinics implemented by nurses are needed. Design an illustrated booklet to demonstrate different interventions and modalities for osteoarthritis patients. Demonstrate the patient's role in managing osteoarthritis at their homes.