Perception of self-weight among knee osteoarthritis patients

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Overweight and obesity are the major risk factors of osteoarthritis (OA). Weight reduction is important to treat OA and it is important to understand the perception of self-weight among patients to implement weight reduction programs and improve self-motivation for weight reduction. This study was done to assess the perception of weight among OA patients attending the RRH. METHODS: Systematic sampling was used to recruit 255 patients from the Rheumatoid and Rehabilitation Hospital, Ragama. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. RESULTS: Median age of the patients was 57 (IQR: 50 - 65) years and 235 (92%) of them were females. Among them, 49.6% were obese (BMI > 30) and 36.6% (BMI between 25 and 30) were overweight. 78% knew their weight, of them, 78% had checked weight within last six months. 3% felt overweight was a sign of prosperity, 43% felt overweight disfigured them and 93% knew it was unhealthy. Recalled and measured weights showed significant correlation (P<0.01). Among obese, 55% knew they were considerably above the normal weight and 28% felt they were somewhat above the normal weight and 2% believed they were just above the normal weight. Among the overweight, 25% felt they were considerably overweight, 48% somewhat above normal weight and 12% felt they were just above normal weight. 15% of both obese and overweight believed they were overweight but could not quantify their weight. CONCLUSION: Majority among obese, and overweight perceived their weight and 93% believed overweight is unhealthy