*Corresponding Author: Mrs. Sujata Ajit Bhosale, Department of Nursing, Krishna Institute of Nursing Sciences, Karad, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Maharashtra 415539, Karad, India. Email: sujatabhosale7689@gmail.com, Contact No.: 7709451043
Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative joint disorder characterized by pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and functional impairment. It is a major cause of disability among adults, especially in rural populations where access to healthcare and preventive services is limited. Demographic and lifestyle factors play an important role in influencing the prevalence and severity of knee osteoarthritis.
Objective: To assess the association between knee osteoarthritis and selected demographic variables among adults residing in rural Western Maharashtra.
Materials and Methods: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional research design was used for the study, which was conducted in selected rural areas of Western Maharashtra. A total of 100 adults diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured demographic questionnaire and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) scale. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic characteristics and osteoarthritis severity, while the Chi-square test of independence was used to assess the association between knee osteoarthritis and selected demographic variables.
Results: The study findings demonstrated a statistically significant association between age group and the level of knee osteoarthritis as measured by pre-test KOOS scores (p < 0.05), indicating that the severity of osteoarthritis increased with advancing age. No statistically significant association was observed between knee osteoarthritis severity and other demographic variables such as gender, educational status, occupation, body mass index, or marital status (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: The study concluded that age is a significant demographic factor influencing the severity of knee osteoarthritis among adults in rural Western Maharashtra. Early screening, awareness programs, and targeted preventive and rehabilitative interventions for high-risk populations may help reduce disease burden and improve functional ability and quality of life.
Keywords: Knee, osteoarthritis, Knee osteoarthritis, demographic variables, adults, rural population.
How to cite this article: Bhosale SA, Katti AV, Phuke M, Mane UR, Pawar PA, Desai MM. A study to assess the association between knee osteoarthritis and selected demographic variables among adults residing in rural area Karad Taluka. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(7s): 183-189; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.7s.21
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None