Relationship Between Community Integration, Physical Activity, Pain Quality, and Quality of Life in Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis.

Abstract

Objectives: This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between community integration, physical activity, pain quality, and quality of life in older adults with knee osteoarthritis.

Methods: It included 92 older adults aged 60 and over diagnosed with osteoarthritis of Stage 2 and above, according to the Kellgren-Lawrence classification. Participants were evaluated using the Community Integration Questionnaire, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Pain Quality Assessment Scale, and World Health Organization Quality of Life-old module Scales.

Results: The mean age of 92 older adults included in the study was 67.5 ± 7.6 years. Specifically, for every 0.599 unit decrease in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index physical function score (indicating an improvement in physical function), the community integration level increased by 0.196 units. Additionally, for every 0.380 unit increase in total physical activity level (measured in metabolic equivalent of task), the community integration level increased by 0.001 units. Also, community integration was negatively associated with pain intensity and positively associated with quality of life (p < .05).

Conclusion: In the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, it is essential to provide intervention support to combat the symptoms of the disease, increase physical activity, and maintain community integration.

Implications: In older adults diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, community integration decreases as the severity of osteoarthritis increases with age. For older adults with knee osteoarthritis to have a better quality of life and active aging, it would be appropriate to add interventions to maintain and increase community integration in osteoarthritis treatment programs.