Socio-demographic characteristics of osteoarthritis patients in Turkey and physicians' therapeutic approaches

Abstract

Objective: With increased life expectancy throughout the world, the prevalence of musculoskeletal system disorders among the elderly has become an important health care concern in many countries. Osteoarthritis in particular is among the leading causes of chronic disability in the older population. Aims: This study aims to assess osteoarthritis patients with respect to demographic characteristics and investigate the therapeutic approaches of primary care physicians for treating patients who are diagnosed with this disorder. Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study was performed at primary health care centers in which osteoarthritis could be diagnosed and treated by primary care physicians. A pre-tested and validated form was used to obtain disease characteristics of patients who were diagnosed clinically as having osteoarthritis. These forms were then evaluated by using the "Investigator Global Assessment of Disease Status" system. Results: A total of 210 physicians and 13,203 patients (52.6% female and 47.4% male) enrolled in the study. Almost 98.4% of patients were prescribed at least one pharmacological agent. Non-pharmacologic approaches including physical therapy and rehabilitation, recommendations for dietary changes, and nutritional treatment, surgical weight loss methods, and other alternative treatment modalities were also commonly suggested. Conclusion: Osteoarthritis is commonly diagnosed and treated in the primary care setting. Therefore, updated osteoarthritis diagnosis and treatment protocols should be a part of the continuing medical training of primary care physicians.