OP0331-PARE Behaviour change experiences and needs of persons with rheumatic disease
Authors: L. Alemo Munters, A. Beerman
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2018)

<h3>Background</h3> Persons with rheumatic diseases have a higher rate of surgery as well as a need of beneficial lifestyle behaviours, in order to control risk factors associated with surgery and disease co-morbidities. <h3>Objectives</h3> The objective was to explore behaviour change experiences and needs of individuals similar to patients undergoing knee and hip surgery. <h3>Methods</h3> A survey was designed with focus on current lifestyle behaviours; experience of behaviour changes; desire to change behaviours; and attitudes and willingness to adopt digital tools in the behaviour change process. The survey was distributed via a web system to 13864 Swedish Rheumatism Association (SRA) members with a rheumatic disease. <h3>Results</h3> 1660 consented to participate of whom a majority were women, 1/2 between 45 and 64 years of age and 1/3 older than 65, where 2/3 had experienced at least 1 surgery and 2/3 of these 2–3 surgeries, with 1/4 concerning knee or hip surgery. 20% had experienced complications. Almost all respondents had access to a smartphone, computer and the internet. The most problematic current behaviour was insufficient physical activity, with less than 1/5 engaging in recommended levels of physical activity/week. Less than 1/10 smoked and about 1/20 gave indications of risky alcohol consumption. Regarding healthy eating, a large majority ate breakfast daily, 3/4 ate fruits and vegetables daily, and slightly under 1/2 ate fish 2–3 times a week. However, about 2/3 consumed unhealthy foods several times/week, with 1/5 indicating consumption 1–2 times/day. Accordingly, 2/3 indicated they would like to increase physical activity level and over 1/2 wanted to improve eating habits. 20% wanted to change other behaviours such as weight loss, consumption of sugary foods, and stress management. Fewer than 10% wanted to change their smoking habits and less than 1/20 wanted to change their alcohol habits. A majority had attempted prior behaviour change, 3/4 focused on physical activity, 2/3 on healthy eating, 1/5 on smoking and 1/20 on alcohol. Regarding the duration of the change, it was permanent for 2/5. Among those who succeeded in maintaining the change during a shorter period, 44% succeeded for 3–6 months, 1/20 for 6–12 months and about 1/10 for periods of 1–2 years. Regarding types of support used for implementing behaviour change, 1/3 had no support but only 1/10 found this helpful. Almost half used self-help, 1/5 used social support, 1/6 used professional support, and 1/10 used digital support. Most helpful were self-help, followed by social, professional and digital support, respectively. Respondents were asked about use of a digital tool to support lifestyle behaviour change. Over 3/4 were open to using digital tools. Regarding the respondents' preferences: the top three preferences were for reminders, contact with peers and information on the importance of changing the behaviour in question. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The survey suggests that SRA members have digital access despite 1/3 being older than 65. The focus for current and future behaviour change is physical activity and to a lesser extent, healthy eating. Smoking and risky alcohol use behaviours are low in this group. Willingness to engage in a digital tool is high, and preferences are clear, with interest in human contact with professionals and peers through the digital tool, as well as automated functions. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared