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Abstract

Many older adults are affected by osteoarthritis (OA), a common condition that causes pain, stiffness, and a loss of mobility. Given the increasing number of older adults in Bangladesh, it is critical to comprehend the unique requirements and challenges faced by older adults with OA, especially in underdeveloped areas with limited access to healthcare. Informal caregivers, typically family members, play a critical role in providing care for older adults with OA. However, they frequently lack support, training, and resources. There is a substantial knowledge gap regarding the complete scope of the needs and difficulties faced by older adults and their caregivers in Bangladesh’s rural areas due to the scarcity of studies that focus on their individual experiences. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of older adults with osteoarthritis in Kishoreganj, including their interactions with healthcare services, caregiving challenges, and coping mechanisms of those who support them. This research used a qualitative approach and took place in Kalatuli village, Karimganj Upazila, in Kishoreganj, a rural district located in a haor region of Bangladesh where healthcare resources are scarce, and the transportation system is not well equipped to provide timely, convenient access to hospital care. Fifteen older adults aged 60 or older with a diagnosis of OA and 10 family members as informal caregivers have been purposively selected for In-depth interviews (IDIs). We also conducted five Key informant interviews (KIIs) with the health service providers. Before collecting data, we obtained participants’ verbal consent following the ethical guidelines and ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the Department of Anthropology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology. These interviews have been audio- recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed to understand the key issues participants face in their everyday lives. The perspectives of family carers, who frequently face financial, physical, and mental challenges while caring for their loved ones, have been explored. The study also aimed to recommend better healthcare policies that address social and medical requirements in Bangladesh. This requires improving health services in rural areas, incorporating care for older people into nearby clinics, and providing caregivers with additional guidance and instruction. Moreover, this study has provided direction for enhancing the quality of life for older adults with OA and for improving support for those who look after them.

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