A 5-year follow-up of a controlled trial of an arthritis education programme.

Abstract

A 5-yr follow-up of an arthritis education programme is reported. After adjustment for those lost, deceased or moved away, the 5-yr response rate was 75% among intervention subjects and 78% among controls. Individuals who participated in the education programme maintained their increased knowledge in some aspects. The relative difference in pain and disability over 5 yr was greater in the control group. Most individuals were less active at practising exercise after 5 yr. Improvement in performing exercise and joint protection shown at 12-months follow-up did not persist. Additional questions after 5 yr showed that participants in the education programme had significantly more contact with rh..