A Descriptive Study to Assess the Prevalence of Knee Pain and Providing Need-Based Interventions Among Women (Above 40 Years) Residing in Selected Urban and Rural Areas of Roopnagar District (Punjab)

Abstract

Introduction: Health is general condition of person’s mind, body and spirit, usually meaning to be free from illness, injury or pain. Knee pain is a major health problem in India that causes considerable disability and impact on quality of life. Knee pain is common musculoskeletal problem in women and its prevalence increases with age, which includes mainly the knee joint, ligaments and cartilage. It is well known that our body undergoes changes throughout the life and that changes include impairment of the body systems with growing age. Nowadays more women present with chief complaint of knee pain to hospitals, that’s why researcher choose this topic for study.

Objectives: (1) To assess the prevalence of knee pain among women. (2) To provide the need-based interventions among women. (3) To find out the association between prevalence of knee pain and selected socio-demographic variable of women.

Methods: A nonexperimental quantitative research approach and descriptive research design was adopted to conduct the research study. Convenience sampling technique was used to collect the data. Tool used for the present study were sociodemographic data sheet, new modified knee pain scoring and mobility assessment scale for daily living activities. Data collection was done by using new modified oxford knee pain scale mobility assessment scale to assess the activity of daily living and provide need-based interventions to women according to their need.

Results: The present study showed that 128 (64%) study subjects had moderate knee pain, 50 (25%) had mild knee pain, only 12 (6%) had severe knee pain whereas 10 subjects had no knee pain. About 102 (51%) subjects had severe problems in activities of daily living, 56 (28%) had moderate problem, 35 (17.5%) had mild problem and only seven (3.5) subjects had no problem in daily activities. Need-based interventions were performed for the subjects at time of data collection and after one month again data were collected from subjects to check the effectiveness of interventions. Results showed that exercises (25.2%) is the most effective intervention in knee pain followed by health education (24.2%) followed by hot and cold application (21.0%); whereas among 16.8% subjects lifestyle changes can help to reduce knee pain whereas 11.5% subjects required changes in the dietary pattern.