Mohd Izham Mohd Zain1, Nur Syahirah Mohamad Rosli2, Thilasshini A/P M Poobalan 3
| Corresponding Author: 3BPT Graduate, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, KPJ Healthcare University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Mail Id: thilaaa8@gmail.com Authors: 1Deputy Vice Chancellor and Director of Centre for Postgraduate Studies, KPJ Healthcare University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan. Mail Id: izham@kpju.edu.my 2Lecturer, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, KPJ Healthcare University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Mail Id: nursyahirah@kpju.edu.my |
ABSTRACT
| Background of study: Knee discomfort (KD) is a common issue among working adults, potentially affecting mobility and work performance. Despite its potential consequences, there is limited evidence on its prevalence and associated factors among university staff in Malaysia. Objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of knee discomfort across individual KOOS domains and their association with demographic status among university staff. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among university staff using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Domain-specific prevalence (Pain, Symptoms, ADL, Sports/Recreation, and QoL) was analyzed in relation to demographic variables including age, gender, ethnicity, occupation, and BMI, using Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results: Age was significantly associated with all KOOS domains (p < 0.05), with the 51–60 years group showing the greatest impairments. Gender differences were significant in symptoms (p = 0.020) and sports/recreation (p < 0.001), favoring male staff. Academic staff scored significantly better in ADL (p = 0.006) and sports (p= 0.023) compared to non-academic staff. Ethnicity showed no significant differences. BMI was significantly associated with symptoms, ADL, sports, and QoL (p < 0.05), with obese individuals consistently showing the poorest scores. Conclusion: Knee discomfort among university staff varies across domains and is significantly influenced by demographic characteristics. Pain, ADL, and QoL were most affected in older staff, while obesity and female gender were linked to poorer outcomes in specific domains. Interventions should prioritize weight management, ergonomic adjustments, and preventive physiotherapy programs to mitigate risks in vulnerable groups. |
Keywords: Demographic factors, Knee discomfort, KOOS Domains, Prevalence, University staff
Leave a Reply