Prevalence and Association of Obesity and Knee Pain among Women of Karachi

Abstract

ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Knee pain is prevalent among women and is linked to central obesity, which is characterized by excess
abdominal fat. This study investigates the association between central obesity and knee pain among
women in Karachi, Pakistan, aiming to inform interventions that could alleviate knee pain and improve
health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and association of central
obesity and knee pain among women.
METHODOLOGY:
This cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2023 to September 2023 and consisted of
participants from Government Hospitals and Educational Institutes of Karachi Sindh, Pakistan. Data
was collected from the sample of 150 women, included through convenient sampling technique. Nordic
Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Numeric Pain Rating Scale were used to collect data regarding
knee pain whereas central obesity was determined by measuring waist circumference.
RESULTS:
A total 150 participants were recruited, 63% had knee pain during the last 12 months and 36% women
have functional limitations due to knee pain. On the other hand, 43% women had knee pain during last
7 days. There is a negatively significant association found (p value >0.005) between central obesity and
knee pain among women in Pakistan.
CONCLUSION:
There is a high prevalence of knee pain among women of Karachi. There is a negatively significant
association between central obesity and knee pain among women in Pakistan; however, future studies
are needed.