GP management of osteoarthritic pain in Hong Kong.
BACKGROUND
Limited information is available about general practitioners' knowledge, attitude and practice in treating osteoarthritis. This study sought to better understand GPs' management of mild to moderate osteoarthritis in Hong Kong.


METHODS
A cross sectional survey of GPs using a structured questionnaire mailed in three stages.


RESULTS
A total of 225 questionnaires were returned. Paracetamol was considered to be an analgesic with lower toxicity and cost, and fewer drug interactions than others; it was also seen to have poor efficacy, short duration of action, and low patient compliance. Most GPs would consider nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as first line treatment, followed by paracetamol. Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, physiotherapy and exercise were favoured as second line treatments. Most GPs would choose paracetamol for patients with comorbid conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
General practitioners in Hong Kong have positive views on using simple analgesia and nonpharmacological treatments. Use of paracetamol was particularly preferred for older people and those with comorbidities.
Lee
Albert
A
Department of Community and Family Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. alee@cuhk.edu.hk
Tsang
Clement K K
CK
Siu
Hon-kei
HK
Wong
William Chi-wai
WC
Wong
Samuel Yeung-shan
SY
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005194:Family Practice; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000150:complications*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D059408:Pain Management; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D000082:Acetaminophen