Outcome of an osteoarthritis education program for low-literacy patients taught by indigenous instructors.

A 10-h osteoarthritis education course was developed and evaluated for older low-income patients with osteoarthritis. Indigenous community leaders were trained to teach the course within inner-city neighborhoods of Hartford, Connecticut. Significant differences were obtained using a quasi-experimental group, pre/post-test design. There was a significant increase in knowledge (P less than 0.001) both on a verbal knowledge test and a picture story test (P less than 0.001). There was a significant increase in scores on an exercise scale (P less than 0.001). Attitude toward one's illness improved. There was a slight improvement in function which was not significant. Use of adaptive equipment increased as a direct result of the program. The course was well accepted and enjoyed by the participants.