Relation between Knowledge, Attitude and Quality of Life Among Elderly Patients with Musculoskeletal Problems Who Use Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Background: Using of complementary and alternative Medicine are increasing rapidly and plays a crucial role in the management of musculoskeletal problems among elderly patients. Aim: To assess relation between knowledge, attitude and quality of life among elderly patients with musculoskeletal problems who use complementary and alternative medicine. Design: A descriptive research design was used. Settings: This study was conducted at musculoskeletal out patient’s clinic in Al-Mabra Hospital for Health Insurance, Central Upper Egypt branch, Assiut. Sample: A purposive sample of 330 elderly patients with musculoskeletal disorders who use complementary and alternative medicine. Tools: four tools were utilized. Self-administered questionnaires, knowledge assessment questionnaire, attitude scale, and MOS SF-36 quality of life. Results: it was clear that 48% of elderly patients had poor knowledge, 53% of them had positive attitude and they had hight mean score in QOL domains. There was positive correlation between knowledge, attitude and quality of life among elderly patients. Conclusion: the study was concluded that significant positive correlation between knowledge, attitude and quality of life among elderly patients with musculoskeletal problems who use complementary and alternative medicine. Recommendations: conduct comprehensive education program to help the elderly patients to increase their knowledge and improve quality of life regarding musculoskeletal problems.