Phenomenological exploration of perceptions, experiences, facilitators, and inhibitors in patients with knee osteoarthritis during physiotherapy rehabilitation in a low- and middle-income country.

BACKGROUND

Perceptions and experiences of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and physiotherapy (PT) rehabilitation, as well as the facilitators and inhibitors (barriers) of access and adherence to PT rehabilitation in patients with KOA (PKOA), may be influenced by lifestyle and contextual factors. Hence, we aimed to investigate the perceptions and experiences of KOA and PT, and facilitators and inhibitors influencing access and adherence to PT rehabilitation among PKOA in a low- and middle-income country (LMIC), India.

METHODS

A qualitative design with a phenomenological approach was employed. Fifteen PKOA were recruited through purposive sampling. Patients demographic data were collected. One-to-one, semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face or by telephone, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Fifteen PKOA (10 females, 5 males) with a mean age of 56.3 years participated in in-depth individual interviews. Four themes were identified, namely perceptions, experiences, inhibitors, and facilitators. Twelve sub-themes were identified within these four themes.

CONCLUSION

The perceptions and experiences of PKOA regarding PT care in a LMIC like India share similarities and differences with those in other countries. PKOA have both positive and negative experiences with PT care, and there is a limited knowledge about KOA and its symptoms. PKOA face physical and social barriers, such as time and place constraints, whereas personal, family, and organisational factors facilitate access to and adherence to PT treatment.