(P18-038-24) Nutrition for Older Adults With Osteoarthritis: Empowering People in Sub-Saharan Africa With Information for Self-Management in Line With Core Guideline Recommendations

Objectives: This study was part of a project aimed to provide consistent, culturally acceptable, and accessible information on OA. Specifically, we sought to support healthcare professionals with evidence-based care and empower older adults to self-manage in line with core guidelines, which include diet planning, weight loss and exercise.

Methods: A four phased mixed-methods research design was conducted. Forty-one patients and thirty healthcare professionals (HCPs) participated in two focus group discussions (FGDs), four in-depth interviews (IDIs), and nineteen interviews. Thematic analysis was performed using NVivo vs 12.0 software. Older adults with OA contributed public perspectives to stakeholder co-design workshops, design and conduct of the feasibility study and co-produced resources.

Results: From Phase one (FGDs and IDIs with healthcare professionals with at least 5yrs professional experience, and patients aged 45-90 years, with OA of diverse socio-economic status), our analysis identified nine main themes including limited awareness of nutritionists, inadequate nutrition information at clinics, nutritional supplements’ myths, unregulated information from social media/networks, obesity links with OA, demand for comprehensive health talks, need for support groups, desire for pictorial food guides, and lack of collaborative care. Phase two involved co-designing a trilingual guidebook (English, Pidgin and Yoruba) for managing OA and joint pain, incorporating nutrition advice and an African food plate (eat well guide). Phase three, feasibility revealed significant improvement attributed to increased fruits and vegetables intake. Participants expressed a desire for support groups for further encouragement in adopting appropriate nutrition and lifestyle practices. In Phase four, we develop recommendations for wider implementation strategies in West Africa.

Conclusions: This study emphasizes the importance of evidence-based information for improving health in older adults with OA and joint pain. We recommend incorporating dietary management into existing OA management guidelines in West Africa.

Funding Sources: None