Taylor, LF, Kee, CC, King, SV; Georgia State University, Lawrence-Ford, TAB, Atlanta, GA. phtlft@langate.gsu.edu.

PURPOSE: There are disturbing indications that osteoarthritis (OA) may be significantly different between African-Americans and Caucasians in prevalence, severity, degree of limitation, and self-management. The purpose of the study was to 1) evaluate the effects of a one-day educational symposium on knowledge, impact, and self-management of older African-Americans living with OA and 2) explore participants’ personal experiences in living with the disease. SUBJECTS: 32 community-residing African-American adults with OA (age range 59-90, mean 71.9) attended the symposium (29 women, 3 men). METHODS: Symposium speakers included experts in the field of arthritis care. One-hour focus groups were held with participants in order to learn about their experiences living with OA. Pre-test instruments included the Short Form of the Arthritis Impact Management Scale 2 (AIMS2-SF), the Summary of Arthritis Management Methods (SAMMS), and a 6-question general knowledge test about OA. Post-testing of the knowledge test occurred at the completion of the program, and three months later, the AIMS2-SF and SAMMS were administered in order to assess changes in arthritis impact and self-management. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired t-tests. Transcribed focus group data were analyzed using descriptive qualitative methods. RESULTS: The 6-question knowledge test scores increased from 4.2 to 5.1 (p=.009). Three months after the event, the AIMS2-SF total score had decreased (p =.018) indicating that arthritis had less impact on the lives of the participants. AIMS2-SF Subscales of Upper Body Function, Pain, and Affect also were significantly lower. Participants reported using more self-management skills, particularly gentle activity and ROM. Four themes emerged from the transcribed data including sources identified for health care information, treatment options presented by health care providers, assuming personal control of OA, and the role of exercise in treating OA. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that a one-day educational symposium was beneficial in increasing the participant’s knowledge of OA and self-management options and decreasing the impact of OA. FUNDING SOURCE: Georgia Gerontology Consortium Seed Grant Program.

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