Healthcare utilization patterns for knee and hip osteoarthritis before and after changes in national health insurance coverage: a data linkage study from the Netherlands.

Introduction: Medical guidelines aim to stimulate stepped care for knee and hip osteoarthritis, redirecting treatments from hospitals to primary care. In the Netherlands, this development was supported by changing health insurance coverage for physio/exercise therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate healthcare utilization patterns before and after health changes in health insurance coverage.

What Are the Predictors of Self-Reported Change in Physical Activity in Older Adults with Knee or Hip Osteoarthritis?

Background: Although physical activity (PA) has been shown to be beneficial in older adults with osteoarthritis (OA), most show low levels of PA. This study evaluated if self-efficacy, attitude, social norm, and coping styles predicted change in PA in older adults with OA in the knee and/or hip.

Methods: Prospective study following 105 participants in a self-management intervention with baseline, post-test (6 weeks), and follow-up (6 months).

Socio-economic gradients in the presence of musculoskeletal and other chronic diseases: results from a cross-sectional study in the Netherlands.

Socio-economic gradients in occurrence of diseases have been reported for many chronic conditions. However, whether the magnitude of socio-economic gradients differs across diseases and the extent to which lifestyle mediates such relationships are not known. Cross-sectional data from The National Monitor on Musculoskeletal System was used.

Work outcome in persons with musculoskeletal diseases: comparison with other chronic diseases & the role of musculoskeletal diseases in multimorbidity.

Background: Chronic diseases and multimorbidity are increasingly common among persons in working age. This study explores the impact of type, number and combinations of chronic diseases with focus on the role of MSKD on (1) adverse work status (i.e.