Level of Pain and Its Impacts on the Quality of Life Among Patients of Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: A prevalent degenerative joint disease that predominantly affects the elderly but affects millions of individuals worldwide is osteoarthritis. One of the biggest contributors to chronic pain and disability in older persons is the most widespread knee osteoarthritis. Patients with knee osteoarthritis commonly experience symptoms such pain, stiffness, oedema, and limited ROM; these symptoms have a major effect on their quality of life. Objective: To find the level of pain and its impacts on the QOL among patients of knee osteoarthritis by using the visual analogue scale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Methodology: This 6-month, survey-based, cross-sectional study was conducted at Mayo and Services Hospitals using non-probability convenience sampling with a sample size of 187 patients over 35 with knee osteoarthritis for more than six months on pain medication were included; those mentally retarded, unwilling, or with metastatic arthritis were excluded. Data collected through the visual analogue scale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index were analysed in SPSS-25 using Chi-square and Pearson tests, showing that pain significantly impacted quality of life in knee osteoarthritis patients. Results: Present study concluded that out of 187 patients of knee osteoarthritis 85 patients lied in score of WOMAC (73-96), 75 patients lied in score of WOMAC (49-72), 24 patients lied in score of WOMAC (25-48), 3 patients lied in score of WOMAC (1-24). Chi-square testing showed a positive relationship between pain and difficulty performing activities of daily living (physical component of quality of life), with a p-value of 0.00, and Pearson correlation was positive, R-value was 0.427, which showed there is a moderately strong relationship between pain and difficulty in activities (physical factors of quality of life). Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between pain severity in knee osteoarthritis and its impact on a person’s quality of life. Greater difficulty in performing activities of daily living is associated with a poorer quality of life. Additionally, females are more prone to developing knee osteoarthritis and experience a greater impact on quality of life compared to males.