Experiences of how health and lifestyle among individuals with knee pain have been influenced during the Covid-19 pandemic, a halloa study

• Background: The covid-19 pandemic has affected health and lifestyle among the general population and vulnerable groups. Individuals with knee pain are recommended an active lifestyle to reveal pain but find it difficult to maintain health and lifestyle compared to the general population due to the cause of chronic pain, impaired physical function, and a diminished quality of life. This adds to the importance of exploring how to preserve health and lifestyle among individuals with knee pain during the pandemic. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore experiences of how health and lifestyle among individuals with knee pain have been influenced during the covid-19 pandemic.Method: Nineteen participants with current knee pain, with no earlier diagnosed radiographic osteoarthritis, and no rheumatologic disorder or cruciate ligament injury, were recruited from The Halland Osteoarthritis (HALLOA) Cohort Study, twelve females and seven males, between 41-62 (median 51) years of age. Data were collected through individual interviews with open-ended questions: “What impact have you experienced with your health and lifestyle during the covid-19 pandemic?”, and “What activities or strategies have you changed to maintain your health and lifestyle during the covid-19 pandemic? ”. Qualitative content analysis was used, where two categories and five sub-categories emerged (Table 1). Result: The result from this study explored how individuals with knee pain adjusted their behaviour and revalued their life to maintain health and lifestyle during the pandemic. The category adjusted behaviours emerged with the sub-categories: spending more time at home, becoming digitally and spending more time outdoors. These sub-categories determine how a more reclusive behaviour has appeared due to the pandemic, where digital platforms and outdoor activities have facilitated companionship and togetherness when feelings of loneliness and isolation were present. The category revaluing life emerged with the sub-categories: having a positive outlook on life and sharing responsibility. These sub-categories establish the importance of being grateful for maintaining health and lifestyle and being solution-oriented to find the best possible outcomes to continue with everyday life, despite the pandemic. While having a responsibility toward others arose as a facility to manage to keep social distance during the pandemic. Conclusion: In conclusion, individuals with knee pain managed their health and lifestyle during the pandemic by adjusting behaviors and revaluing life. Adapting to restrictions included spending more time at home and outdoors, becoming more digitally, and revaluing life by having a positive outlook on life and supporting others. The result may contribute to alternative ways of preserving health and lifestyle in different vulnerable groups and may be used in situations other than the pandemic.

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MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

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