Prevalence of Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis in Saudi Arabia and Associated Modifiable and Non-Modifiable Risk Factors: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (OA) in Saudi Arabia and the association between knee OA and modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Methods: A self-reported, population-based, cross-sectional survey between January 2021 and October 2021 was conducted. A large, population-representative sample (n = 2254) of adult subjects aged 18 years and over from all regions of Saudi Arabia was collected electronically using convenience sampling. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) clinical criteria were used to diagnose OA of the knee. The knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) was used to investigate the severity of knee OA. This study focused on modifiable risk factors (body mass index, education, employment status, marital status, smoking status, type of work, previous history of knee injury, and physical activity level) and non-modifiable risk factors (age, gender, family history of OA, and presence of flatfoot). Results: The overall prevalence of knee OA was 18.9% (n = 425), and women suffered more compared to their male counterparts (20.3% vs. 13.1%, p = 0.001). The logistic regression analysis model showed age (OR: 1.06 [95% CI: 1.05–1.07]; p < 0.01), sex (OR: 2.14 [95% CI: 1.48–3.11]; p < 0.01), previous injury (OR: 3.95 [95% CI: 2.81–5.56]; p < 0.01), and obesity (OR: 1.07 [95% CI: 1.04–1.09]; p < 0.01) to be associated with knee OA. Conclusions: A high prevalence of knee OA underlines the need for health promotion and prevention programmes that focus on modifiable risk factors to decrease the burden of the problem and the cost of treatment in Saudi Arabia.

Awareness and Perception Toward Obesity and Knee Osteoarthritis and Their Preventive Measures Among the Adult Population in the Northern Borders Region, Saudi Arabia

“…As healthcare systems strive to implement evidence-based practices and community-centered interventions, a comprehensive understanding of knee OA awareness and perceptions is instrumental [3,5,8]. This research contributes insights that can guide healthcare providers, policymakers, and public health professionals in developing strategies to enhance community awareness, promote preventive measures, and improve the overall management of knee OA in the unique context of the Northern Borders Region, Saudi Arabia.…”

“…Aging is a significant risk factor for knee OA, and as life expectancy rises, the burden of this condition is anticipated to escalate. Furthermore, lifestyle changes, including sedentary behavior, unhealthy dietary patterns, and an increasing prevalence of obesity, contribute to the rising incidence of knee OA [5,6]. The intersection of these factors underscores the need for comprehensive research and public health initiatives to address knee OA awareness and perceptions among diverse populations [7].…”

“…Tailoring interventions to address these regional nuances is essential for achieving meaningful impact and reducing the burden of knee OA in the Northern Borders Region [7,8]. Moreover, cultural beliefs and societal norms may shape individuals' perceptions about joint disorders, affecting their willingness to seek medical advice, adhere to prescribed treatments, or consider surgical interventions [5]. The multifaceted nature of knee OA, involving both biological and sociocultural determinants, necessitates a comprehensive exploration of community attitudes and knowledge to inform targeted educational and preventive efforts [3,6,8].…”

An evaluation of knee osteoarthritis pain in the general community—Asir region, Saudi Arabia

“…It contributes to degenerative and reparative processes and inflammation of the joint. OA may affect different body joints, both proximal and distal, most commonly occurs in the knee joint [ 1 ]. 10% of adults over the age of 60 worldwide, according to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), experience OA symptoms.…”

Associations Among Knee Osteoarthritis Severity, Body Mass Index, and Physical Functions in Saudi Arabian Adults: A Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study

“…KOA and a higher BMI are rapidly growing health problems and significant causes of adverse health outcomes in many nations, including Saudi Arabia, particularly in people aged over 50 [5]. The KOA problem in Saudi Arabia differs from Western culture in their need for full knee flexion for daily activities, such as praying, ablution, and sitting to eat on the floor [6].…”