Symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in the Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia: prevalence, characteristics, and associated modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors

Association Between Pain Catastrophising and Functional Limitation in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional study in a Tunisian rehabilitation setting

Summary Objectives: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common reason for consultation in rehabilitation settings, responsible for pain and restricted autonomy. This study aimed to determine the association between catastrophising and functional limitation in patients followed for KOA in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from June to August 2025 at the Department of Physical Medicine and Functional Rehabilitation in Taher Sfar University Hospital, Mahdia, Tunisia. Demographic data, the history of KOA as well as the radiographic stage of Kellgren and Lawrence were collected from patients with KOA. Functional impairment was assessed by the Lequesne knee index and catastrophising was assessed by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) questionnaire in its Arabic translated and validated version. Results: A total of 90 patients were included with a mean age of 58.76 ± 9.09 years. Most were women (88.9%) and obesity was present in 44.4% of patients. KOA was bilateral in 73.3% of cases. The mean on 100 of the VAS pain at rest was 29.18 ± 19.69 and at walk 57.14 ± 15.81. The mean Lequesne score in the population was 11.33 ± 3.53 and that of the PCS was 23.91 ± 11.28. Significant factors associated with a high level of catastrophizing were the level of education (P = 0.040), obesity (P = 0.007), the radiological stage (P = 0.048) and the Lequesne index (P = 0.019). The mean Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)-depression score was 7.75 ± 2.84 in the low catastrophising group versus 11.04 ± 2.24 in the high catastrophizing group (P <0.001). The mean HADS-anxiety score was 8.20 ± 3.97 versus 12.32 ± 3.83, respectively (P <0.001). Conclusion: These findings demonstrated an association between catastrophising and functional limitation in KOA. Evaluating pain catastrophisation during the follow-up of these patients, may guide and personalise therapeutic strategies, such as cognitive-behavioural approaches, pain management and rehabilitation according to each patient';s needs.

Prevalence of shoulder pain and shoulder-related disability among adults in the Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of shoulder pain and shoulder-related disability among adults in the Jazan region and identify associated sociodemographic, occupational, and clinical factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 587 adults residing in the Jazan region. Participants completed a structured questionnaire that included sociodemographic characteristics and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Results: The prevalence of shoulder pain was 66.1% (388/587). Participants with shoulder pain were significantly older and had higher BMI values than those without pain (both p-value<0.05). In multivariable logistic regression, age (AOR ≤ 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03â€"1.08, p-value<0.001) and female gender (AOR ≤ 1.56, 95% CI: 1.03â€"2.36, p-value≤0.036) were independent predictors of shoulder pain. Among pain-positive participants, the median SPADI total score was 32.1, with 38.1% classified as having minimal disability and 42.0% experiencing at least moderate disability. Higher SPADI scores were independently associated with older age (B ≤ 0.67, p-value< 0.001), rural residence (B ≤ 6.77, p-value<0.001), history of shoulder injury (B ≤ 10.91, p-value<0.001), repetitive overhead movements (B ≤ 6.06, p-value≤0.007), and healthcare-diagnosed shoulder conditions (B ≤ 14.06, p-value<0.001). Conclusion: Shoulder pain was highly prevalent among adults in the Jazan region and was associated with substantial disability in a significant proportion of affected individuals. Targeted prevention programs, ergonomic interventions, and early clinical management are needed to reduce the burden of shoulder disorders and improve functional outcomes.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Knee Osteoarthritis among Adults Aged Above 50 Years: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Urban Central India

Background: Knee Osteoarthritis is a multifactorial degenerative disorder that has increased by over 113% in the past three decades. In India, its prevalence ranges from 17% to 64.3%, making it an emerging public health concern. The purpose was to estimate the Prevalence of Knee Osteoarthritis and determine its association with various factors among adults aged >50 years. Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in the field practice area of a tertiary care hospital among 400 participants aged >50 years, selected by simple random sampling through house-to-house surveys using ACR criteria. Ethical approval was obtained. Data were collected using structured interviews and clinical knee examination. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info version 7. Results: The prevalence of Knee Osteoarthritis was 39.75%. Significant associated factors included female sex, joint/extended family type, musculoskeletal symptoms, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, past knee trauma, frequent squatting, and increased BMI. In multiple logistic regression, joint/extended family type (aOR: 1.662), musculoskeletal symptoms (aOR: 1.852), and past knee trauma (aOR: 2.096) were significant predictors. Conclusions: Knee Osteoarthritis is highly prevalent among older adults, with higher BMI, females and past trauma. Community-based interventions focusing on early diagnosis, health education, and primary prevention are essential to reduce its burden.

PREVALENCE OF OA KNEE PAIN AMONG HOUSEHOLD FEMALES AND ITS IMPACT ON THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE IN SUKKUR

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of pain, functional limitation, and reduced quality of life. Women engaged in household work may experience knee symptoms during middle adulthood. This study aimed to determine the proportion of self-reported knee pain among women engaged in household work in Sukkur and examine its association with quality of life. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 384 women aged 35-57 years in Sukkur. Participants were recruited through non-probability convenience sampling from households and the Physical Therapy Outpatient Department of Hidayat Hospital. Quality of life was assessed using a modified SF-36, and pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) within a structured questionnaire. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. No clinical examination or radiographic assessment was documented to confirm knee osteoarthritis. Results: The mean age of the participants was 45.4 ± 6.5 years. Of 384 participants, 151 (39.3%) reported study-defined knee pain. Pain-intensity data were available for 150 participants, of whom 100 (66.7%) reported mild pain, 35 (23.3%) moderate pain, and 15 (10.0%) severe pain. Participants reporting knee pain had significantly lower quality-of-life scores than those without reported knee pain (25.21 ± 6.75 vs 30.11 ± 7.73). The mean difference was -4.90 (95% CI, -6.41 to -3.39), t(382) = -6.37, p < 0.001, with a standardized mean difference of 0.67. Quality-of-life scores did not differ significantly across reported pain-intensity categories (F(2,146) = 2.55, p = 0.082). Conclusions: In this convenience sample, 39.3% of participants reported knee pain, and reported knee pain was associated with lower quality-of-life scores. Because the sample was selected using non-probability convenience sampling and included outpatient participants, this proportion should not be interpreted as a population prevalence estimate for all women in Sukkur. In addition, because no clinical or radiographic diagnostic criteria were documented, the findings refer to self-reported knee pain rather than confirmed knee osteoarthritis.

Association Between Obesity and Severe Knee Osteoarthritis

Association between Foot Health, Musculoskeletal Pain, and Quality of Life in Adults from Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between foot health, musculoskeletal pain, and HRQoL in adults residing in the Makkah region, Saudi Arabia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2024 and June 2025 among 396 adults aged 19-60 years. Participants completed an online survey including the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ), the Arabic RAND-36 HRQoL survey, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation analyses, and multivariable linear regression models were used to examine associations and predictors of foot health outcomes. RESULTS The 12-month prevalence of MSK pain was 90.2%, most commonly affecting the lower back (64.9%), shoulders (63.4%), and neck (51.3%). Significant positive correlations were observed between FHSQ domains (p < 0.001). General foot health was positively associated with social functioning and vigor. Male sex was associated with better foot health outcomes, while obesity and smoking were associated with poorer scores in several domains. CONCLUSION MSK pain is highly prevalent and associated with poorer foot health and reduced aspects of HRQoL. Integrated assessment of foot and musculoskeletal health may improve functional outcomes and well-being in community populations.