Impact of diabetes mellitus on pain intensity and health-related quality of life in knee osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional study
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Abstract
Objectives: To examine the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and knee pain severity, as well as health-related quality of life (HRQoL), in adults with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to March 2023 at three healthcare centers in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. A total of 360 patients aged 45–80 years diagnosed with KOA, with or without DM, were recruited through convenience sampling. Knee pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale, and HRQoL was evaluated using the Short Form-36 questionnaire. Demographic and clinical data were collected through structured questionnaires. Chi-square tests were applied to examine associations, with statistical significance set at p <0.05.
Results: Among the 360 participants, 215 (59.7%) were females. Most participants were aged 45–54 years (38.9%), followed by 55–64 years (33.6%), 65–74 years (19.7%), and 75–80 years (7.8%). Socioeconomic status was predominantly middle-class (159, 44.2%). Knee pain intensity was moderate in 176 (48.9%) participants and severe in 139 (38.6%). Diabetes mellitus was present in 198 (55.0%) participants. HRQoL was reported as severe in 137 (38.0%) and very severe in 36 (10.0%) participants. Chi-square analysis showed a significant association between knee pain intensity and HRQoL (χ²=366.14, p=0.001), while the association between diabetes and HRQoL was not statistically significant (χ²=5.040, p=0.283).
Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus was not significantly associated with knee pain severity or HRQoL in patients with KOA. However, increasing pain severity was strongly linked to worsening HRQoL, highlighting the importance of effective pain management in improving patient outcomes.
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