Living with osteoarthritis: Insiders' views

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the day-to-day experiences of older people with symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) and to discover if people in different socioeconomic strata differ in the ways in which they manage OA. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 20 respondents. The following four themes emerged from the data: refusing to give up, pragmatism toward treatment strategies, staying in charge, and tangible caring. Respondents more advantaged in socioeconomic status differed from less advantaged respondents in problems reported, treatments preferred, and causes of OA identified. Understanding the different ways people experience and live with OA and the importance of tailoring interventions to individual circumstances is essential to effective nursing management.