2. Creating awareness of the osteoarthritis epidemic in Curaçao

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a significant cause of concern in the current health system in Curaçao (1), as previously discussed in the article ‘Prevention and management of hip and knee osteoarthritis in Curaçao.’

A Call for Early Intervention

It is important to note that OA is a preventable consequence of aging before it becomes a chronic disease with all its detrimental consequences previously discussed (1, 2). These consequences entail higher healthcare costs (1, 3). Additionally, OA has intense implications on the quality of life with a lower physical and emotional well-being of individuals, often leading to fatigue, chronic pain, and (physical) disability in daily activities (4). The burden is palpable, and the toll on quality of life is undeniable. Furthermore, physical inactivity, a common precursor to OA, opens the door to cardiovascular comorbidities (5). This effect leads to far-reaching consequences, emphasizing the need for early intervention (1).

Strategies for Change

As Curaçao's population gradually ages, we stand at a crossroads to lower the overall demand for healthcare services. Therefore, to lower OA’s impact, we must focus on the modifiable factors of obesity and muscle function as evidence-based modifiable factors in the prevention strategy (6, 7). Additionally, structured interventions yield the most potent effects and cost savings for healthcare (6).   

Knowledge Dissemination: Comprehensive information on obesity prevalence and OA conditions in Curaçao is crucial (1). Let’s close the knowledge gap and empower our community to act. 

Inclusivity: The approach must be multifaceted, disseminating information on prevention and management in a manner that is accessible to all. Language comprehension and cultural nuances play pivotal roles.

1.      Raising awareness

This approach should start with creating awareness and addressing the diversity of the population and its language comprehension. This includes developing resources in Papiamentu, Dutch, and English, supplemented by visual aids, videos, and audio recordings. Plain language will clarify concepts with infographics, making the information memorable.

In addition, to ensure information is accessible to everyone, radio and TV health messages, including short, engaging, and informative advertisement segments, will educate the public about osteoarthritis. Moreover, to make it personal and more effective, a user-friendly website and mobile app are viable options, filled with resources on osteoarthritis management accessible to people with varying levels of digital literacy.

2.      Hands-on learning

Interactive sessions with healthcare professionals will be employed for hands-on learning experiences, and partnering with influential figures to amplify the reach of health messages will also be a key strategy. These hands-on experiences will empower individuals through practical knowledge.

General practitioners, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers can refer patients to educational materials to support their understanding of their condition and provide concrete and practical recommendations emphasizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

3.      Mobile clinics and personalized guidance

Mobile clinics can be set up in neighborhoods to provide personalized advice on osteoarthritis management via health screenings and pamphlets. Educators can conduct group discussions and address individual concerns about osteoarthritis. Encouragement and empowerment should allow them to ask questions and actively participate in preventive measures.

4.      Promoting health education within schools

In addition, working with schools to incorporate health education into the curriculum will allow young people to become well-informed at an early age and pass that information on to their families. A subsequent follow-up should focus on supporting and facilitating the next steps in their health improvement journey.

In conclusion, the health crisis caused by the chronic nature of OA, an aging population, and high obesity levels in Curaçao emphasize the need for structural prevention (1). A structurally committed strategy to raise awareness about OA, focusing on the modifiable risk factors of obesity and muscle function, is needed  (1, 6).

A collaborative prevention strategy should bring together healthcare professionals, educators, and media outlets to successfully inform all parts of the population on the management and prevention of OA. Mobile clinics and digital platforms can increase the accessibility of resources and support services, catering to individuals at different stages of OA. This approach will significantly reduce the considerable costs of reactive healthcare treatment, promoting a culture of proactive, empirical, and preventative healthcare services.

References

1.         Kort N. Prevention and management of hip and knee osteoarthritis in Curaçao: CortoClinics; 2024

2.         WHO. Osteoarthritis: World Health Organization; 2023

3.         Hartvigsen J, Davidsen M, Søgaard K, Roos EM, Hestbaek L. Self-reported musculoskeletal pain predicts long-term increase in general health care use: a population-based cohort study with 20-year follow-up. Scandinavian journal of public health. 2014;42(7):698-704.

4.         Sharma L. Osteoarthritis of the knee. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384(1):51-9.

5.         Hawker GA, Croxford R, Bierman AS, Harvey PJ, Ravi B, Stanaitis I, Lipscombe LL. All-cause mortality and serious cardiovascular events in people with hip and knee osteoarthritis: a population based cohort study. PloS one. 2014;9(3):e91286.

6.         Mazzei D, Ademola A, Abbott J, Sajobi T, Hildebrand K, Marshall D. Are education, exercise and diet interventions a cost-effective treatment to manage hip and knee osteoarthritis? A systematic review. Osteoarthritis and cartilage. 2021;29(4):456-70.

7.         Thomas S, Browne H, Mobasheri A, Rayman MP. What is the evidence for a role for diet and nutrition in osteoarthritis? Rheumatology. 2018;57(suppl_4):iv61-iv74.