Patient's awareness on joint conservation and joint protection techniques

Date of Completion

1996

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy

Keywords

Joints, Health Education

Abstract

Arthritis is a common disease characterized by joint inflammation which commonly occurs during middle to late adulthood. If the affected areas are not cared for, then the symptoms may worsen, causing severe deformity, and ultimately, disability. Since no known cure exists, it is essential that movements be modified so as not to further injure the affected areas, and in itself may also lead to arthritis. It is essential, therefore to impart the principles of Joint Conservation and Protection, which are simple guidelines to aid the patient in utilizing his joints in an effective, pain free manner. Patient education is important, not only to those suffering from the ailment, so as to prevent or reduce the damaging stresses experienced by their joints in day to day living. This descriptive study on the effectiveness of a training program on the joint protection and conservation techniques. Data was obtained through questionnaires distributed to 25 respondents were both arthritic and non-arthritic in Sitio Buwisan of Barangay Langkaan II, Dasmariñas, Cavite chosen through simple quota sampling. The survey instrument used pre-test and post-test questionnaires and was translated into Tagalog. Data were gathered and interpreted using frequency percentage, mean, and T-test. The following were the results of this study (1.) Based on the results of pre-test, it is evident that majority of the subjects lack the basic knowledge on joint conservation and protection. However, after the training program, our subjects exhibited a significant increase in their knowledge about joint protection and conservation techniques as evidenced by the results of the post-test. (2.) 80% lack knowledge in the following areas: a symptoms of the disease. b. Rest as an important consideration when pain is present. c. The use of large joints in everyday living. d. The use of cold/ice as the choice of physical a agent during the acute stage of arthritis. (3.) 85% have no idea regarding the proper way of carrying a bag. (4.) Our subject population gained a considerable increase in their knowledge in joint conservation and protection techniques as shown in their scores in the post-test. In conclusion, the majority of our population previously had inadequate knowledge regarding joint conservation and protection techniques. A training manual combined with a lecture and actual demonstration proved to be an effective method of imparting knowledge regarding joint protection and conservation techniques. It is recommended by the authors to continue this kind of training program whether here in Sitio Buwisan, or in other communities, and to further distribute manuals to the population, in order that they may be taught the basic concepts of joint care.

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