EP8.59 Young Patients with Hip Conditions have Positive Perceptions about Supportive Therapies to Improve Mental Health

Abstract Background More than one in four adolescents and young adults with hip conditions experience severe psychological distress that may increase risk of treatment failure. Supportive therapies target psychological and behavioral contributors to pain and dysfunction, but patient perceptions and preferences for delivery are not well defined. The aim of this study was to survey young people with hip conditions about the impact of mental health on recovery from hip pain, determine how psychological distress impacts perceptions about supportive therapies, and identify patient-preferred methods for delivery. Methods Patients treated in an adolescent and young adult hip clinic completed a survey assessing: (1) perceived impact of mental health on physical recovery, (2) interest in supportive therapies, (3) perceived barriers to participation, (4) preferred delivery formats, and (5) desired outcomes. Participants also completed the OSPRO-YF survey to assess multiple domains of musculoskeletal pain-related psychological distress. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize response patterns. Wilcoxon Rank-Sum, Kruskal-Wallis, and chi-square tests evaluated associations between distress measures and perceptions, interest, preferences, concerns, and desired outcomes. Results One hundred patients completed the survey (mean age 24.6±8.7; 84% female), with 27% reporting severe psychological distress (9+ flags). Over half reported that mental health affected their recovery either somewhat (45%) or significantly (13%). Interest in supportive therapy programs was mixed, with 40% somewhat or very interested. Commonly cited barriers included time commitment (27%), insurance coverage or out-of-pocket cost (28% and 25%), and uncertainty about effectiveness (24%). Most respondents preferred in-person supportive therapies (76%), and identified pain coping skills, emotional support, and motivation for rehabilitation as desired outcomes. Severe distress was not associated with greater interest in supportive therapies (p=0.7584) or preferred delivery format (p=0.2168) but was associated with greater concern about time commitment (p=0.0344) and effectiveness (p=0.0474). Conclusion Most young patients with hip conditions recognize that mental health impacts physical health and recovery from hip pain. Although interest in supportive therapies varies, patients prefer in-person delivery and desire outcomes related to coping, emotional support, and motivation. Addressing concerns about time commitment and effectiveness, particularly among those with severe distress, may improve acceptability of supportive therapies in hip care.