Influence of knee osteoarthritis on physical function, quality of life and pain in elderly people

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Osteoarthritis is the most common age-related joint disease, affecting more than 80% of the elderly, and it is one of the main reasons for outpatient visits elderly in the hospital. Data about physical function and its correlation to quality of life (QOL) and some clinical variables in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in Iranian elderly is limited.

METHOD: A cross-sectional study composed of 332 patients with KOA was conducted. KOA were diagnosed based on the clinical criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. Demographic and clinical variables were recorded. QOL, disability, and pain were assessed using the SF-36, the Western Ontario and McMaster (WOMAC) index, and VAS scale. For statistical analysis we used X2, Independent t-test and Pearson’s correlation.

RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 68.35±5.51 years, of which 213 (64.2%) were women. QOL domains were significantly associated with disability in all three domains of pain, stiffness and function (p<0.001). A significant negative correlation was also found between the QOL domains and the VAS pain (p<0.001). QOL was lower and the disability and pain intensity was higher in women than in men. A weak correlation was shown between some QOL domains and BMI. Age, comorbidity, polypharmacy and sedentary leisure time were associated with lower QOL scores.

CONCLUSION: Individual differences in predictors of QOL and function suggest KOA management strategies should be individualized based on patient characteristics.