The prevalence and work-related physical factors associated with knee pain in older Thai farmers

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of knee pain in older farmers and to identify the associated factors, including the demographic variables, behaviours and physical activity/exercise levels. [Participants and Methods] A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a total of 285 systematically randomized farmers who were 60 years and older. [Results] The results of this study showed that the overall prevalence of knee pain in this population was 54.04% (n=154) based on a self-reported standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The highest prevalence of knee pain was 23.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 17.75 to 30.05%] for two periods of time (within the past 7 days and over past 12 months). The intolerable physical activity risk factors that were significantly associated with knee pain included prolonged walking, standing and side sitting (odds ratio=2.39%, 95% CI: 1.06 to 5.39%). [Conclusion] The results of this study suggested that a high prevalence of knee pain in these older farmers may be particularly associated with sustaining a weight-bearing position.