Awareness of Preventive Measures in Osteoarthritis Among Urban Population in Pune City

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common articular disease of the developed country and cause of chronic disability, and may cause joint failure. Osteoarthritis of knee joint is common musculoskeletal problem nowdays in Indian population. OA is ranked among top 20 diseases in 40-45 years of age group. Purpose: Osteoarthritis is responsible for major burden of disease and is one of the leading causes of global disability. People delay accessing health care for Knee Osteoarthritis due to lack of knowledge. Therefore early diagnosis, signs and symptoms and awareness to delay/stall future disease process is essential for enhancing quality of life and function. Objective: Objective of this study was to assess the knowledge about preventive measures of OA. Setting: Different parts of Pune city. Method: The study is undertaken to assess knowledge about preventives measures of OA with the help of self-made questionnaire in urban population of Pune, approved by ethical committee. The study was commenced with a sample size of 200 among urban residents of Pune. The questionnaire was circulated via google form through mails and other social media platforms and data analysis was done. Participants: Age group 25-50 years were taken for the study. Population who were clinically pre diagnosed with osteoarthritis were excluded from the study. Outcome measure: The primary outcome measure of this study was to assess the knowledge about preventive measures of OA where they have good knowledge about OA. Results: Maximum population is aware about Osteoarthritis Conclusion: There is lack of awareness regarding, signs and symptoms like crepitus, deformity, tenderness, joint enlargement, and risk factors, including age, trauma, family history and also the importance of posture correction and environmental awareness. Most of the population are not aware of surgical and conventional treatment for osteoarthritis. Keywords: Osteoarthritis, prevention, bones and joints, awareness