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Open Access 11-03-2025 | Knee Osteoarthritis | ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards knee osteoarthritis: a regional study in Chinese patients

Authors: Tao Liu, Chao Lin, Hui Shi, Qiang Ren, Xinmei Lin

Abstract

Introduction

Given the chronic nature of knee osteoarthritis and its reliance on self-management, patients’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) significantly influence their ability to effectively manage knee osteoarthritis. This study aimed to investigate patients’ KAP towards knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey was conducted among patients with knee osteoarthritis, using a self-designed questionnaire.

Results

A total of 764 (96.47%) valid questionnaires enrolled, including 451 (59.03%) females, with a mean age of 48.28 ± 7.08 years. Their mean KAP scores were 8.10 ± 3.67 (possible range 0–16), 26.40 ± 4.492 (possible range 9–45), and 20.67 ± 5.156 (possible range 7–35), respectively. Structural equation modelling showed that knowledge had direct effects on attitude and practice. Attitude was found to exert a direct impact on practice. Moreover, multivariate logistic regression showed that employment, family’s monthly income, duration of knee osteoarthritis, and medication were independently associated with knowledge. Age, sex, employment, and coachfellow were independently associated with attitude. Sex, employment, and marital status were independently associated with practice (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Patients had inadequate knowledge, negative attitude, and inactive practice towards knee osteoarthritis. Age, gender, employment, and marital status, monthly income, duration of knee osteoarthritis, medication, and coachfellow might be associated with their KAP. It is recommended to enhance clinical practice through patient education, personalized exercise plans, and tailored care based on individual patient profiles for improved knee osteoarthritis management.

Key Points

• Patients show inadequate KAP towards knee osteoarthritis.

• Factors affecting KAP include age, gender, and income.

• Need for patient education and personalized care in management.

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Title: Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards knee osteoarthritis: a regional study in Chinese patients
Authors: Tao Liu
Chao Lin
Hui Shi
Qiang Ren
Xinmei Lin
Publication date: 11-03-2025
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee Osteoarthritis
Published in: Clinical Rheumatology
Print ISSN: 0770-3198
Electronic ISSN: 1434-9949
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-025-07385-0

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