The Process of Pain Self- management in Patients with Osteoarthritis: A Grounded Theory

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Pain is the defininig symptom of osteoarthritis and the main reason for patients with osteoarthritis consult their physicians for the treatment of arthritis; therefore, effective pain control is an important goal in the this disorder. This study aimed to explore the experiences of patients with osteoarthritis related to pain self-management. Methods: The present grounded theory study was conducted on 17 patients, 5 family members, 9 health care providers, and 2 traditional therapist from the in-patient and out-patient clinicls, physcicians offices and the community. Data saturation was reached after 38 in-depth and semi-structured interviews(five second interviews). Data were analyzed using the straus and corbin 2008 approach simulataneous with data collection, by open, axial, and selective coding, using constant comparative analysis, reflection, and interpretation techniques, the criteria used to enhance rigor included cridibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Results: D ata analaysis le dto the discovery of eight main categories and nineteen subcategories emerged from data analaysis. The main categories included: “Internal factores”, “esternala factors” “adapting to the reality ”, “preventive self-management”, “acquiring balance”, “actualization and development”, and “ineffective coping patterns”. Conclusion: Self-management of pain, is a context dependent, multidimenisonal, influenced by carious factors, dynamic, time-dependent and interactive concept with developmental process. The process of “semanticization and intenerate pain” includes continuous and progressive appliation of strategies to regain control over the life in order to overcome main concern “loss of control over the life ” following pain wxpreience.