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Understanding the impact and tackling the burden of osteoarthritis for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Understanding the impact and tackling the burden of osteoarthritis for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

P. O'Brien, R. Prehn, C. Green, I. Lin, W. Flanagan, B. Conley, D. Bessarab, J. Coffin, P.F.M. Choong, M.M. Dowsey, …
Arthritis Care & Research, Vol.75(1), pp.125-135
2023
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Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to understand and describe the lived experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with osteoarthritis. Methods Qualitative study guided by cultural security, which ensures that research is conducted in a way that will not compromise the cultural values, beliefs, and expectations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Participants were purposively sampled through the networks of project staff. Research yarns (a cultural form of conversation used as a data gathering tool) were conducted with 25 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults with self-reported osteoarthritis in Western Australia and Victoria, Australia. Data were analyzed using a framework approach and presented through composite storytelling (hypothetical stories representing an amalgam of participants’ experiences). Results Two composite stories were constructed to reflect themes relating to beliefs and knowledge, impact, coping, and health care experiences. Common beliefs held by participants were that osteoarthritis is caused by previous physically active lifestyles. Many participants feared for their future, increasing disability and needing a wheelchair. Pain associated with osteoarthritis impacted daily activities, sleep, work, family, and social life and cultural activities. Multidimensional impacts were often experienced within complex health or life circumstances and associated with increased anxiety and depression. Most participants reported negative health care experiences, characterized by poor patient–provider communication. Conclusion Our findings highlight that osteoarthritis is a multidimensional issue for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that permeates all aspects of life and highlights the need for integrated, multidisciplinary care that is culturally informed and individualized to patient need.

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

Source: InCites

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InCites Highlights

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Citation topics
1 Clinical & Life Sciences
1.34 Orthopedics
1.34.255 Osteoarthritis
Web Of Science research areas
Rheumatology
ESI research areas
Clinical Medicine
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