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Journal of Aging and Health, Vol. 20, No. 2, 198-216 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/0898264307310464
© 2008 SAGE Publications

Self-Care and Professionally Guided Care in Osteoarthritis

Racial Differences in a Population-Based Sample

Steven M. Albert, PhD

University of Pittsburgh, smalbert{at}pitt.edu

Donald Musa, PhD

University of Pittsburgh

C. Kent Kwoh, MD

University of Pittsburgh

Joseph T. Hanlon, PharmD, MS

University of Pittsburgh

Myrna Silverman, PhD

University of Pittsburgh

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of self-management practices among older White and African American persons with osteoarthritis. Self-management was defined broadly to include all behaviors adopted to reduce morbidity, whether recommended by physicians or not. Methods: A population-based sample of Medicare beneficiaries (N = 551) was recruited. An expanded set of self-management behaviors using structured and open-ended inquiry, along with use of arthritis-specific medications was elicited. Results: Few differences in self-care behaviors between race groups were found. However, older African American persons were significantly less likely to have prescriptions for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) and more likely to use over-the-counter nonprescription analgesics. Discussion: Older White and African American persons made similar use of self-care strategies to reduce disease morbidity. African Americans without access to prescription pain relievers substituted nonprescription analgesics. A broader view of self-management is valuable for assessing the ways people may move between professionally guided care and self-care.

Key Words: osteoarthritis • self-care • African American • disparities • prescription medication • population-based sample


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