Quality of Life of Knee Osteoarthritis Patients in Borabue Hospital

Abstract

ABSTRACT

           Objective : To determine the quality of life of osteoarthritis patients with different severity in Borabue Hospital using the modified Thai WOMAC questionnaire. 

           Methods : This study enrolled 30 eligible osteoarthritis patients at Borabue Hospital. The patients were interviewed with the modified Thai WOMAC questionnaire. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, independent t-test, and chi-square test.

           Results : 1) The quality of life of osteoarthritis patients revealed the highest pain score on weight-bearing. Meanwhile, stiffness was a minor problem, and performing heavy housework was the most strenuous activity. 2) When comparing among the demographic data and the severity grading, age and side of knee for osteoarthritis were significantly different (p = 0.009 and p = 0.02, respectively). 3) To compare the quality of life between the patients with higher Kellgren–Lawrence scores and lower Kellgren–Lawrence scores in pain dimension showed that pain on walking, pain on stair climbing, and weight-bearing, which were all statistically significant differences (p = 0.013, 0.047, and 0.04, respectively). Comparing the quality of life in the stiffness dimension showed that stiffness that occurred during a day was statistically significantly different (p = 0.008). To compare the quality of life in physical functioning showed that going downstairs, standing, walking, getting in/out of the car, going shopping, putting on pants, getting of bed, taking off pants, getting on/off a toilet, sitting, taking a bath, light housework, and heavy housework, which were all significantly different (p = 0.003, 0.002, <0.001, <0.001, 0.001, <0.001, 0.02, 0.007, 0.005, 0.005, <0.001, 0.002, and <0.001, respectively). 

           Conclusions : Osteoarthritis affected patients’ quality of life in pain and physical function. Although there was no difference in overall quality of life among patients with different severity levels, health practitioners should consider relieving patients’ pain to improve patients’ quality of life. 

Keywords : quality of life, osteoarthritis