Evaluation the Impacts of Knee Osteoarthritis on Quality of Life among Jordanian Patients Using the Arabic Version of the Western Ontario and Mcmaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC)

Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common knee pathologies worldwide. The physical activity level of individuals with knee OA has been evaluated among different countries, but never done in Jordan. However, the life habits of Jordanian including eating habits, living area environment, life style, and other daily practices are different from western countries.

Aim: The main purpose of this study is evaluating the effects of knee OA on quality of life for Jordanian before prescribing any of the recommended orthotics interventions.

Method: 50 participants (42 females, 8 males, 57 ± 12 years, and 86 ± 18 kg) were recruited in this investigation. Each participant was asked to fill a WOMAC questionnaire. Results: the total WOMAC score (0.66 ± 0.15) and pain score (0.65 ± 0.18) are high among Jordanian knee OA patients. Most of the patients complain from severe pain during using stairs, praying, and sitting on floor to having a meal. Knee stiffness is more noticeable in the morning and some daily activities were limited due to pain.

Conclusion: The life habit in Jordan is different from other countries. Jordanians have special daily activities that increase pain, joint degeneration, and accelerate the need for total knee replacement surgery. Thus, orthotics and therapists should be aware about those activities and ask their patients to reform their life style before prescribing any orthotics interventions for better outcomes.

Author(s): Huda Alfatafta

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