Body Mass Index as the Risk Factor Affecting Knee Osteoarthritis of the Elderly

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is a disease that progresses over time and culminates in the destruction of articular and joints. Indonesia Basic Health Research (RISKESDAS) 2013 shows that East Nusa Tenggara Province have the highest prevalence of the rheumatic disease in Indonesia, about 33.1%.

Method: This research is an observational-analytic study with a cross-sectional design, which aims to determine the factors affecting osteoarthritis of the elderly at Sikumana Community Health Center, Maulafa District, Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia from December 2018 to February 2019.

Result: In this research, body mass index/BMI (PR=1.21, p=0.037) has a significant correlation to osteoarthritis of the elderly, yet gender (PR=1.02, p=0.839) and history of knee trauma (PR=1.08, p=0.453) have no significant correlation to osteoarthritis of the elderly.

Conclusion: An overweight body increases the mechanical pressure of the knee joint, which causes osteoarthritis. The research shows, women have a higher risk of osteoarthritis compared to men. The higher the BMI, the prevalence of osteoarthritis increases significantly. Around 41% of the elderly with osteoarthritis have obesity. Amongst any other risks, obesity shows a correlation with the prevalence of osteoarthritis. Patients’ awareness of the body mass index (BMI) should be increased to reduce the prevalence of osteoarthritis.