Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is closely related with ageing, physical disability and functional dependency. The course of KOA is considered progressive and irreversible. Engagement with self-management may, however, minimize the impact of KOA. To be fully engaged with self-management activities, knowledge about KOA is a prerequisite. There is limited empirical data on older adults’ understanding on KOA and their information needs about KOA. Therefore, the aims of this study were to explore older adults’ knowledge about KOA and their perspectives on the information required to enable self-management. Three focus groups were conducted with 16 older adults with KOA. The sample consisted of three men and thirteen women with the mean age 73.2 years (range from 61 to 89). Thematic content analysis revealed two themes which were understanding about KOA and information needed about KOA. Participants’ knowledge about KOA varied between individuals with many expressing that they needed more information about KOA. A targeted strategy is needed to educate older adults about KOA in order to support and prepare them for self-management.

膝骨关节炎（KOA）与衰老，身体残疾和功能依赖性密切相关。KOA的过程被认为是渐进且不可逆的。但是，自我管理的参与可能会最小化KOA的影响。要充分参与自我管理活动，必须具备有关KOA的知识。关于老年人对KOA的理解及其对KOA的信息需求的经验数据有限。因此，本研究的目的是探讨老年人对KOA的了解以及他们对实现自我管理所需信息的看法。对16名患有KOA的老年人进行了三个焦点小组讨论。样本由三名男性和十三名女性组成，平均年龄为73.2岁（从61岁到89岁）。主题内容分析揭示了两个主题，分别是对KOA的理解和有关KOA的信息。参与者对KOA的了解因人而异，许多人表示他们需要有关KOA的更多信息。需要有针对性的策略来教育老年人有关KOA的知识，以支持他们并为他们的自我管理做好准备。