Awareness on Dietary Habits in Osteoarthritis Among Post-Menopausal Women-A Survey
Author(s): Joshini Shanmugam, Vishnu Priya V* and Gayathri R
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disabling disease in the elderly especially in post-menopausal women, but very few studies have examined nutritional parameters of osteoarthritis patients. Knowledge on the dietary habits of osteoarthritis will help in reducing its effects and result in better prognosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of awareness on the dietary habits in osteoarthritis among post-menopausal women. A self-administered questionnaire was designed and consisted of questions regarding the awareness of various dietary habits related to OA. The study population included 100 post-menopausal women in Chennai. The data were collected and statistically analyzed using SPSS software. The results show that the level of awareness on dietary habits in osteoarthritis among post-menopausal women was less. Majority of the participants (87%) were not aware that osteoarthritis is associated with menopause. Majority of the participants (81%) were not aware that flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Most of the participants (82%) were not aware that omega-3 fatty acids help decrease joint inflammation whereas only 18% were aware that omega-3 fatty acids help in decreasing joint inflammation. Majority of the participants (90%) were not aware that high intake of dairy products increases osteoarthritis. Most of the participants (88%) were not aware that nightshade foods (eggplant, tomato, bell pepper, potatoes) aggravate osteoarthritis. Majority of the participants (87%) were not aware that high intake of citrus foods increases osteoarthritis but only 13% knew that citrus fruits increase osteoarthritis. Majority of the participants (97%) were not aware that garlic helps in decreasing joint pain. Within the limitations of this study it can be concluded that the overall low level of awareness on dietary habits in osteoarthritis among post-menopausal women.