~ 34 ~ International Journal of Advance Research in Community Health Nursing 2023; 5(1): 34-39 E-ISSN: 2664-1666 P-ISSN: 2664-1658 www.communitynursing.net IJARCHN 2023; 5(1): 34-39 Received: 07-07-2022 Accepted: 16-08-2022 Alka BSc. Nursing 4 th Year Students, National Institute of Nursing Education, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Haryana, India Annu BSc. Nursing 4 th Year Students, National Institute of Nursing Education, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Haryana, India Harjot Kaur BSc. Nursing 4 th Year Students, National Institute of Nursing Education, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Haryana, India Komal BSc. Nursing 4 th Year Students, National Institute of Nursing Education, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Haryana, India Manisha Kumari BSc. Nursing 4 th Year Students, National Institute of Nursing Education, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Haryana, India Nidhi BSc. Nursing 4 th Year Students, National Institute of Nursing Education, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Haryana, India Manjula Thakur Tutor, National Institute of Nursing Education, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Haryana, India Anupama Choudhary Tutor, National Institute of Nursing Education, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Haryana, India Corresponding Author: Manjula Thakur Tutor, National Institute of Nursing Education, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Haryana, India Prevalence, challenges and treatment seeking behavior for knee osteoarthritis among adults residing in DMC, UT Chandigarh: A community based descriptive study Alka, Annu, Harjot Kaur, Komal, Manisha Kumari, Nidhi, Manjula Thakur and Anupama Choudhary DOI: https://doi.org/10.33545/26641658.2023.v5.i1a.129 Abstract Background: Osteoarthritis is the most common ailment affecting people globally causing pain and stiffness in knee joint increasing gradually leading to movement restrictions, adversely influencing social and emotional well-being; thus, lowering patients' quality of life. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of knee OA, challenges faced and treatment seeking behavior among adults >30 with knee OA residing in DMC, UT Chandigarh. Materials and Methods: Sample was collected using total enumeration technique where 220 subjects met ACR criteria. Subjects were interviewed, SF-36 Questionnaire (modified) was used to observe the challenges faced by the study subjects and biophysical measurements were taken. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, Microsoft Excel and SPSS 22.0. Data findings were interpreted and presented in the form of tables, graphs and charts. Results: Prevalence of KOA among study subjects was found to be 45%; it was more in females (46.9%) and in 60-69 years of age (60.5%). Half (49%) subjects were of upper middle class. As per BMI, 50.9% subjects were overweight (25-29.9) and 19% were obese. Most (74.5%) of the study subjects were taking treatment from government agencies. As per mean score; 57.7% of the study subjects reported fair general health, 40% reported little limitation of activities, 51.5% and 35.6% responded that they faced little physical health problems and moderate financial constraints, respectively. Keywords: Knee OA, prevalence, challenges, treatment seeking behaviour Introduction In India, osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease, prevalence being 22% to 39%. Ageing is the most typical cause of knee OA. Majority of people suffering from osteoarthritis are in their forties and fifties but now younger people are also affected. The main symptom of knee OA is knee pain while attempting to flex and extend the knee. During community posting and data collection, the researchers noticed that knee discomfort was one of the most common issues in the community not only in older people but also in younger age group above 30 years. The best ways to limit disabilities are early diagnosis, regular treatment, and proper follow-up, so the current study was conducted to assess the prevalence, challenges, treatment seeking behavior of adults residing in DMC, UT Chandigarh. Materials and Methods A quantitative approach with descriptive design was used. The study was conducted among adults more than 30 years in a semi-urban locality of UT, Chandigarh. 488 subjects with knee pain (major criteria) were identified by conducting door to door survey, 220 subjects meeting ACR Criteria and inclusion criteria were enrolled as subjects by using Total Enumeration Technique after taking clearance from the Ethical Committee, Principal of the college, Medical Officer of the area. Survey performa, Semi-structured Interview schedule and Biophysical measurements were the tools used for data collection.