RESUMEN
Osteoarthritis affects up to 25% of the world elderly population. It is the most prevalent and disabling of the chronic conditions affecting elderly females world wide. The aim of this study was to study the relation between the functional abilities of osteoarthritic elderly women and their compliance with treatment. The study was carried out in the Geriatric out patient clinic of El Mansoura General Hospital. The studied subjects were comprised from all elderly women attending the previous setting during a period of three months and fulfilling the following criteria: age 65 years and more, diagnosed with osteoarthritis for at least one year, and accepted to participate in the study, their number amounted to 100 women. Data-was collected using an Interview schedule for assessing sociodemographic data, patient and family health history, and their compliance with the treatment. Katz and Akpom scale 1976 was used to assess the activities of daily living [ADLs] and the Lawton and Brody scale 1969 to assess the instrumental activities of daily living [IADLs]. The results revealed that the disease affected the functional abilities of the elders and most of the sample were either partially or totally non compliant with the treatment regimen particularly performance of physical activities. An educational program to the elders and their caregivers about all aspects of the disease process and its management, with emphasis on the importance of adherence to treatment regimen particularly physical exercises