Prevalence, risk factors, and health seeking behavior for knee osteoarthritis among adult population in rural Jammu – A Community based Cross Sectional Study

CONTEXT: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease, having multifactorial etiology affecting mainly the articular cartilage. Knee OA with its physical symptoms affects daily activities thereby deteriorating the quality of life. Most of the patients delay their visit to health sectors for seeking medical care in musculoskeletal conditions. AIMS: To find the prevalence and determinants of osteoarthritis among the adult population in the rural area and to assess their health-seeking behavior. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A community-based, cross-sectional study. METHODS AND MATERIAL: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 232 adults living in a rural area in village Kirpind of R.S. Pura block, Jammu. Knee OA was diagnosed using the clinical criteria laid down by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive statistics, OR with 95% CI, and Chi-square test were used for the purpose of analysis. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of knee osteoarthritis was 35.7% (females: 44.5% Males: 23.1%). Age more than 60 years, female gender, history of trauma, BMI >30 were found to be significantly associated with higher odds of OA knee (P < 0.05). Descriptive statistics, OR with 95% CI and Chi-square test were used for the purpose of analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies focusing on creating awareness among the rural elderly regarding the role of a balanced diet, exercise, and weight management along sensitization of primary health care providers concerning benefits of early screening, diagnosis, and referral should be undertaken to minimize this burden.