OBJECTIVES: To examine changes in self-reported arthritis-related illness and self-rated health as a result of a health education intervention, and the association between self-reported arthritis-related illness and self-rated health. STUDY DESIGN: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in eight randomly selected villages in rural Bangladesh (intervention = 4; control = 4). METHODS: The intervention consisted of home-based physical activities, health advice and aspects of healthcare management over 15 months followed by a 3-month latent period. Data were collected before the intervention and after the latent period. Analyses included 839 participants (≥60 years of age) who participated in both surveys. Participants in the intervention area were further categorized into two groups who self-reported compliance or non-compliance with recommended health advice. Self-rated health was assessed using a single global question. Self-reported arthritis-related illness was indicated by the presence of arthritis, back and joint pain, biting sensation, swelling and inflammation in the joints. RESULTS: Hierarchical logistic regression analyses revealed that positive effects on episodes of arthritis-related illness [odds ratio (OR) 1.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-2.8] and self-rated health (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0-1.9) were more likely among the compliant group compared with the control group. Furthermore, positive self-rated health was more likely among participants reporting a positive change in their arthritis-related illness (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.5-3.2). The results also showed that literate and non-poor participants were more likely to report positive health, and participants with advancing age were less likely to report positive health. CONCLUSION:Community-based health education is effective in reducing the burden of arthritis-related illness and in enhancing general health in old age.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVES: To examine changes in self-reported arthritis-related illness and self-rated health as a result of a health education intervention, and the association between self-reported arthritis-related illness and self-rated health. STUDY DESIGN: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in eight randomly selected villages in rural Bangladesh (intervention = 4; control = 4). METHODS: The intervention consisted of home-based physical activities, health advice and aspects of healthcare management over 15 months followed by a 3-month latent period. Data were collected before the intervention and after the latent period. Analyses included 839 participants (≥60 years of age) who participated in both surveys. Participants in the intervention area were further categorized into two groups who self-reported compliance or non-compliance with recommended health advice. Self-rated health was assessed using a single global question. Self-reported arthritis-related illness was indicated by the presence of arthritis, back and joint pain, biting sensation, swelling and inflammation in the joints. RESULTS: Hierarchical logistic regression analyses revealed that positive effects on episodes of arthritis-related illness [odds ratio (OR) 1.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-2.8] and self-rated health (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0-1.9) were more likely among the compliant group compared with the control group. Furthermore, positive self-rated health was more likely among participants reporting a positive change in their arthritis-related illness (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.5-3.2). The results also showed that literate and non-poor participants were more likely to report positive health, and participants with advancing age were less likely to report positive health. CONCLUSION: Community-based health education is effective in reducing the burden of arthritis-related illness and in enhancing general health in old age.
Authors: Wendy Lowe; Claire Ballinger; Jo Protheroe; Jill Lueddeke; Don Nutbeam; Ray Armstrong; Louise Falzon; Chris Edwards; Cynthia Russell; Kirsten McCaffery; Jo Adams Journal: Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) Date: 2013-12 Impact factor: 4.794