Knee osteoarthritis in Iranian women: A cross-sectional study from Yassoj, Iran

Abstract Background: One of the most prevalent musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) is knee osteoarthritis (KO), which results in patients experiencing significant pain, decreased function and range of motion, lower income, decreased social contact, and ultimately diminished quality of life. This study sought to evaluate the risk factors for knee osteoarthritis in women between the ages of 40 and 55 because several studies have shown that KO is frequent among these females. Methods: One hundred of the 198 individual who were randomly chosen for this descriptive-analytical study were eligible and included because they met the inclusion criteria. The amount of protective behavior was assessed using a 38-item self-design checklist. Knee function and pain intensity were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and the visual analog scale (VAS). In addition, a muscle strength assessment and a self-efficacy questionnaire were applied. Using SPSS version 24, analytical tests were run on the collected data. Results: This study showed there is a significant relationship between knee osteoarthritis and various factors such as age, body mass index, educational status, other diseases (blood pressure and diabetes), muscle strength, daily housewives’ performance, knee-protective behaviors, and self-efficacy in the field of knee-protective behaviors (P < 0.05 in all instances). Conclusion: Providing educational and training programs for women to prevent knee osteoarthritis is highly advised since, as this study's findings showed, the majority of risk factors linked to knee discomfort from osteoarthritis can be managed.