Effective Motivational Interviewing-Based Counseling for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: This research was conducted to determine the effect on pain, psychosocial adjustment and self-care management of motivational interview-based counseling for individuals with a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis.

Methods: This study was conducted as a randomized controlled experimental study. The sample size for the study was calculated as 60 individuals (29 intervention, 31 controls) diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Study data were collected using a Personal Information Form, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for measuring pain intensity, Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Self-Report Scale, and Self-Care Management Scale in Chronic Diseases. The intervention group received motivational interview-based counseling for four weeks and standard care was administered to the control group. At the end of four weeks, the post-test was applied to participants.

Results: Motivational interview-based counseling for the intervention group lasting four weeks significantly decreased the mean scores for the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Self-Report Scale, indicating increased psychosocial adjustment levels. It significantly decreased VAS scores, and significantly increased mean scores for the Self-Care Management Scale in Chronic Diseases, indicating self-care management increased (P < .001).

Conclusion: Motivational interview-based counseling for individuals with knee osteoarthritis reduces pain and increases psychosocial adjustment and self-care management.

Practice implementation: Health professionals can use motivational interviewing during the treatment, care and rehabilitation of individuals with knee osteoarthritis.