A Comparative Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Selected Nursing Strategies Vs Acupressure and the Quality of Life on Osteoarthritis among Geriatric Clients Residing in Selected Old Age Homes in Tamilnadu - Pilot Study

Background: Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of rheumatological problem and is most frequent joint disease with high prevalence in India among geriatric clients. This is the most common cause of loco motor disability in the elderly population.

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of selected nursing strategies Vs acupressure on osteoarthritis among geriatric clients.

Design: Two group pretest and post test true experimental design was adopted for the study.

Setting: Selected old age homes in Tamilnadu.

Participants: 30 Geriatric clients with Osteoarthritis fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected by cluster random sampling.

Methods: A pretest was conducted by using WOMAC scale and EQ-5D, QOL assessment scale. Immediately after pre-test selected nursing strategies Vs acupressure was given for 8 weeks and again post test was conducted to assess the effectiveness of treatment. Collected data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: In post mean score of the experimental group I mean score was 55.40(SD=12.60) and the group II mean score was 65.40(SD=10.53). This showed that the selected nursing strategies was effective than acupressure in enhancing the practice of the sample regarding Osteoarthritis and the quality of life of geriatric clients.

Conclusion: The findings imply the need for educating geriatric clients on effective management of Osteoarthritis.