Beyond pain: how socioeconomic and psychosocial factors shape medication use in knee osteoarthritis – a cross-sectional study

AIMS: Chronic pain and disability are the main symptoms of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Pharmacological therapy is widely employed for pain relief, although its efficacy and safety vary with clinical, socioeconomic, and psychosocial conditions. The objective of this research was to explore the relationships among pain medication profiles and psychosocial, economic, and educational factors in people with KOA. METHODS: A cross-sectional study included 211 adults with KOA; medication use was verified via Drugs.com®. Multivariable logistic regression analyzed the associations of pain intensity (NPRS), pain catastrophizing (PCS), kinesiophobia (TSK), education, and income with polypharmacy and potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs). RESULTS: = 0.204 for polypharmacy; 0.182 for DDIs). CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic and psychosocial factors significantly influence the medication profile and pain experience of individuals with KOA, highlighting the importance of integrating clinical, social, and cognitive determinants in patient management.