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

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (KOA), its modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, and its impact on functional outcomes among adults in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between March and September 2024 in the Jazan region. A convenience sample of 573 adults aged 18 years and above was recruited via an online self-administered questionnaire. Symptomatic KOA was defined using the Arabic version of the ACR clinical criteria. Functional status and quality of life were assessed using the validated Saudi Arabian version of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Results: The prevalence of symptomatic KOA was 23%, with an additional 23% reporting knee pain without meeting OA criteria. The mean KOOS total score was 85 ± 18, with the lowest scores observed in the sport (84 ± 25) and quality-of-life (84 ± 22) domains. Independent risk factors for KOA included older age (β ≤ 1.04, p <0.001), higher BMI (β ≤ 1.05, p ≤ 0.029), history of ACL/meniscus injury (β ≤ 5.37, p <0.001), and flatfoot (β ≤ 2.51, p ≤ 0.026). KOA diagnosis was the strongest predictor of reduced KOOS total scores (β ≤ âˆ'21.79, p <0.001). Conclusion: Symptomatic KOA affects nearly one in four adults in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Age, BMI, prior knee injury, and flatfoot were found to be significant independent risk factors. KOA substantially impaired functional status, particularly in the sport and quality-of-life domains, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and rehabilitation strategies.