Work-related risk factors of knee osteoarthritis in Indian female farm field workers: a cross-sectional study Doi: https://doi.org/10.55522/jhpo.V3I5.0089

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading causes of pain and disability worldwide. Female agricultural workers are particularly vulnerable because of prolonged exposure to repetitive knee-loading activities during farming and household work. To identify work-related risk factors associated with knee osteoarthritis among Indian female farm field workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 65 female farm field workers aged 30–60 years diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. After obtaining institutional ethical approval and informed consent, demographic details and occupational characteristics were recorded. Participants completed a validated work-related risk factor questionnaire assessing occupational and domestic activities that impose stress on the knee joint. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings. Most participants were aged 51–60 years (51%), and bilateral knee involvement was observed in 63%. Occupational activities such as walking on uneven surfaces (100%), deep squatting (92%), duck walking (88%), long-distance walking (85%), bending (85%), carrying heavy loads (78%), and prolonged standing (77%) were highly prevalent. Repetitive knee loading was also substantially contributed to by household activities such as cleaning utensils (91%), washing clothes (85%), cleaning floors (78%) and cooking in a sitting posture (68%). Repetitive occupational and domestic activities involving prolonged knee flexion and mechanical loading appear to be major contributors to knee osteoarthritis among Indian female farm field workers. Ergonomic interventions, physiotherapy, and preventive education may help reduce the burden of disease.