RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 OP0331-PARE Behaviour change experiences and needs of persons with rheumatic disease
JF Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
JO Ann Rheum Dis
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and European League Against Rheumatism
SP 211
OP 211
DO 10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-eular.3734
VO 77
IS Suppl 2
A1 Alemo Munters, L.
A1 Beerman, A.
YR 2018
UL http://ard.bmj.com/content/77/Suppl_2/211.3.abstract
AB Background Persons with rheumatic diseases have a higher rate of surgery as well as a need of beneficial lifestyle behaviours, in order to control risk factors associated with surgery and disease co-morbidities.Objectives The objective was to explore behaviour change experiences and needs of individuals similar to patients undergoing knee and hip surgery.Methods A survey was designed with focus on current lifestyle behaviours; experience of behaviour changes; desire to change behaviours; and attitudes and willingness to adopt digital tools in the behaviour change process. The survey was distributed via a web system to 13864 Swedish Rheumatism Association (SRA) members with a rheumatic disease.Results 1660 consented to participate of whom a majority were women, 1/2 between 45 and 64 years of age and 1/3 older than 65, where 2/3 had experienced at least 1 surgery and 2/3 of these 2–3 surgeries, with 1/4 concerning knee or hip surgery. 20% had experienced complications. Almost all respondents had access to a smartphone, computer and the internet. The most problematic current behaviour was insufficient physical activity, with less than 1/5 engaging in recommended levels of physical activity/week. Less than 1/10 smoked and about 1/20 gave indications of risky alcohol consumption. Regarding healthy eating, a large majority ate breakfast daily, 3/4 ate fruits and vegetables daily, and slightly under 1/2 ate fish 2–3 times a week. However, about 2/3 consumed unhealthy foods several times/week, with 1/5 indicating consumption 1–2 times/day. Accordingly, 2/3 indicated they would like to increase physical activity level and over 1/2 wanted to improve eating habits. 20% wanted to change other behaviours such as weight loss, consumption of sugary foods, and stress management. Fewer than 10% wanted to change their smoking habits and less than 1/20 wanted to change their alcohol habits. A majority had attempted prior behaviour change, 3/4 focused on physical activity, 2/3 on healthy eating, 1/5 on smoking and 1/20 on alcohol. Regarding the duration of the change, it was permanent for 2/5. Among those who succeeded in maintaining the change during a shorter period, 44% succeeded for 3–6 months, 1/20 for 6–12 months and about 1/10 for periods of 1–2 years. Regarding types of support used for implementing behaviour change, 1/3 had no support but only 1/10 found this helpful. Almost half used self-help, 1/5 used social support, 1/6 used professional support, and 1/10 used digital support. Most helpful were self-help, followed by social, professional and digital support, respectively. Respondents were asked about use of a digital tool to support lifestyle behaviour change. Over 3/4 were open to using digital tools. Regarding the respondents’ preferences: the top three preferences were for reminders, contact with peers and information on the importance of changing the behaviour in question.Conclusions The survey suggests that SRA members have digital access despite 1/3 being older than 65. The focus for current and future behaviour change is physical activity and to a lesser extent, healthy eating. Smoking and risky alcohol use behaviours are low in this group. Willingness to engage in a digital tool is high, and preferences are clear, with interest in human contact with professionals and peers through the digital tool, as well as automated functions.Disclosure of Interest None declared