Functional health of patients with knee osteoarthritis in a family medicine clinic in Ibadan.

Background: Patients with knee osteoarthritis experience pain and functional impairment, which impacts upon activities of daily living ultimately leading to a loss of functional independence and low quality- of-life. This study therefore aimed at evaluating the functional health status of patients with knee osteoarthritis in the Family Medicine clinic, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 270 eligible respondents between January and March 2011. The Ibadan Knee/Hip Osteoarthritis Measure (IKHOAM) was administered after screening with the knee pain screening tool (KNEST). Respondents'Socio- demographic characteristics and knee pain intensity ratings were also recorded.

Results: The age range of respondents in the study was from 28 years to 85 years with a female: male ratio 5:1. Out of the 270 respondents studied, 146 (54.1%) reported restriction in performing duties at work. One hundred and twenty seven respondents (47.0%) needed some assistance in walking outside the house for 15 to 20 minutes, whilst 195 (72.2%) required some assistance in climbing stairs. Thirty four (12.6%) of Muslims and 77 (28.5%) of Christians could not kneel to pray. Males are twice more likely to have a better functional health than females (OR= 2.1, 95% CI= 1.0- 4.6, p=0.046).

Conclusion: Knee osteoarthritis significantly impairs activities of daily living, especially some socio-cultural and religious practices of respondents. Therefore in addition to treating the knee symptoms, removing environmental barriers may reduce immobility within and outside the home thereby improving functionality.