Quality of life among knee osteoarthritis patients seeking medical care at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital

Magalasi, Janet; Joseph, Rose; Juwa, Nyson; Zimba, Joseph; Khoviwa, Innocent

Quality of life among knee osteoarthritis patients seeking medical care at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital

Date

2021-06-16

Authors

Abstract

Type of research study The research study will be a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study that will be done on 94 patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) for 4 weeks. Problem Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the most debilitating musculoskeletal conditions that affects both men and women. Due to its pain that is chronic nature, KOA affects individual’s ability in various aspects of life. Several studies conducted in western countries have reported decreased quality of life among patients suffering from KOA. In Malawi, the information regarding quality of life among patients suffering from KOA is scarce. There is no previous study done to establish the quality of life among patients with KOA here in Malawi, hence the need for current study. Objectives The main objective is to assess the impact of knee osteoarthritis on quality of life among patients seeking health care at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH). Specifically, this research intends to determine the most affected domain of health-related quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis seeking treatment at QECH, to determine the duration of pain among patients with knee osteoarthritis at QECH as well as to assess the BMI among patients with knee osteoarthritis seeking treatment at QECH. Methodology Data will be collected using the SF 36 questionnaire. All COVID-19 measures will be followed. Data will be analyzed using STATA version 16 as well as descriptive and inferential statistics will be done. Expected findings It is expected that the findings of this study will provide information regarding the quality of life among patients suffering from KOA, seeking treatment at QECH. Dissemination Oral presentation will be held at the physiotherapy department and annual research dissemination conference at College of Medicine. Hard copy will be submitted to the college of medicine library, physiotherapy department and college of medicine research center (COMREC). The written dissertation will be sent to physiotherapy department. The research study will be published in Peer reviewed journals.

Description

The research study will be a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study that will be done on 94 patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) for 4 weeks.