Understanding Risk Factors of Knee Pain Severity among Iranian Women suffer from Knee Osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional study from Yasuj, Iran

Aims: Knee osteoarthritis (KO) is one of the most common Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) that causes severe pain, decreased function and range of motion, reduced income, decreased social interaction, and ultimately the quality of life in patients. As many studies indicated that KO is common among women, this study aimed to assess the risk factors of Knee osteoarthritis in women Between 40 and 55 years. Method and Materials: In this descriptive-analytical study, 198 were selected randomly, of whom based on inclusion criteria, 100 participants were eligible and included in the study. To obtain the level of protection behaviors a 38-item self-design checklist was used. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and visual analog scale (VAS) were used to measure knee pain severity and knee functions. Moreover, a self-efficacy questionnaire and a muscle strength questionnaire were used. The obtained data were analyzed through the analytical tests by using SPSS version 24 and. Findings: This study showed there is a significant relationship between knee osteoarthritis and various factors such as age, body mass index, educational status, other diseases (blood pressure and diabetes), muscle strength, daily housewives performance, knee-protective behaviors, self-efficacy in the field of knee-protective behaviors (P 0.05 in all instances). Conclusion: As this study indicated the majority of the risk factors associated with knee pain due to osteoarthritis can be controlled, so providing educational - training programs for women to reduce knee osteoarthritis is strongly recommended.