KNOWLEDGE AND CONCERNS OF ELDERLY PATIENTS REGARDING THE TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Faculty of Nursing at Zagazig University

2 Faculty of Nursing at Zagazig University,

3 Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University.

Abstract

Background: Total joint replacement is the most effective and a successful treatment
for the elderly patients suffering from end stages of osteoarthritis .The aim of this study
was to assess knowledge and concerns of elderly patients regarding the total joint
replacement surgery. Methodology:A descriptive design was utilized to conduct this study
which was conducted in the orthopedic outpatient clinics at the Zagazig
UniversityHospitals. The sample included 103 elderly patients. Tool used for data
collection was a structured interview questionnaire which composed of five parts;
Demographic characteristics of the elderly patients, general medical history, history of
osteoarthritic elderly patients, concerns about total joint replacement surgery and elderly
patient s’ Knowledge regarding total Joint replacement.Results: the present study revealed
that, there was 86% of the studied elderly patients had high concerns of TJR surgery and
98.1% had unsatisfactory knowledge about total joint replacement, while only 1.9% had
satisfactory knowledge about it. A statistically significant relation between educational
levels (illiteracy), concerns of elderly patients and total joint replacement knowledge.
Conclusion: The majority of elderly patients wasilliterate, had unsatisfactory knowledge
and had high concerns of TJR surgery. Recommendations: Developing educational
programs to improve elderly patients' knowledge of the importance and effectiveness of
surgery and alleviate their concerns.

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