title: Qualitative Study Exploring the Meaning of Knee Symptoms to Adults Ages 35-65 Years.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  While osteoarthritis (OA) has mainly been viewed as a disease affecting older people, its prevalence in younger adults is substantial. However, there is limited research on how younger adults understand knee symptoms. This article explores the meaning of knee symptoms to adults ages 35-65 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  This qualitative study comprised 6 focus groups and 10 one-on-one interviews with 51 participants (median age 49, 61% female), who self-reported knee OA or reported knee symptoms (i.e., pain, aching, or stiffness) on most days of the past month. Constructivist grounded theory guided the sampling, data collection, and analysis. Data were analyzed using a constant comparative method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Central to participants' understanding of knee symptoms was the perception that symptoms were preventable, meaning that there was the potential to prevent the onset of symptoms and to alter the course of symptoms. This understanding was demonstrated in participants' explanation of symptoms. Participants commented on the cause, prevention, and course of symptoms. Moreover, participants reflected on their experience with symptoms, indicating that symptoms made them feel older than their current age. However, they did not perceive their symptoms as normal or acceptable.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Participants interpreted knee symptoms as potentially preventable, suggesting that they may be open to primary and secondary prevention strategies.
authors.affiliation: Toronto Western Research Institute and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Crystal
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: MacKay
authors.affiliation: University of Toronto and St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sale
authors.affiliation: Toronto Western Research Institute and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Elizabeth M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Badley
authors.affiliation: University of Toronto and Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Susan B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Jaglal
authors.affiliation: Toronto Western Research Institute and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Aileen M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Davis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D032882:Comprehension; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D066296:Grounded Theory; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D010465:Perception; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires