COMPARISON OF ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN SYMPTOMATIC KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS AMONG FEMALE POPULATION OF RURAL AND URBAN AREA

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a long-term condition that impacts joints, leading to pain and stiffness as a result of ongoing destruction of articular cartilage. As the prevalence of OA is expected to rise, a clearer insight into the factors for disease development and disease progression is required. Although extensive studies have been conducted on knee osteoarthritis and its factors worldwide, but limited data is available in Pakistan, especially concerning rural and urban female population separately.

Material & Methods: A total of n=110 female participants (n=55 Rural; n=55 Urban) who fulfilled ACR (American College of Rheumatology) criteria for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (SKOA) were included in the study. A self-structured questionnaire was used. Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 21.0

Results: The results of this study showed that overall, most frequent associated factors for SKOA in both Urban and Rural females were Menopause (91.8%), kneeling/squatting (89.1%), housewives (83.6%). Between Urban females more prevalent associated factors were high BMI (81.8%) and prolonged standing (61.8%) among others. While less education (81.8%) and heavy lifting (80%) were more frequent factors among Rural females. Least associated factors among both populations were quite similar i.e., smoking, family history, use of high heel shoes, and history of previous knee injury. Less education was one of the topmost associated factors in Rural females while least prevalent in Urban females.

Conclusion: It was concluded that both the urban and rural females had some common associated factors related to SKOA i.e., Menopause, kneeling, squatting, housewives and High BMI. Urban females had high BMI and prolonged standing whereas Rural females had less education and heavy lifting as more frequent factors.