A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE PREVALENCE OF OSTEOARTHRITIS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH CHOLESTROL LEVEL IN THE POPULATION OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

Aim: Elevated cholesterol levels are a significant health concern, particularly regarding osteoarthritis. The primary objective of our study is to examine the prevalence of osteoarthritis, its association with elevated cholesterol levels, and other associated risk factors. The relationship between elevated cholesterol and the severity of osteoarthritis is not well understood.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews in hospitals and clinics among 789 patients who underwent cholesterol testing. The main outcome variable was the cholesterol test, which was measured through blood tests. Statistical analyses were made using chi-square tests (significance at p < 0.05), correlation (significance at p < 0.05 and p < 0.01), and regression analysis.

Results: In our study, 43.3% were diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Among tested people, 43.3% had normal levels below 200 mg/dL, 24.9% were at risk, and 31.5% had elevated or dangerously high levels of cholesterol. Several factors showed significant association with elevated cholesterol level, such as age (p=0.000, t=3.066), gender (p=0.001), Education (p=0.000, t=3.261), Body mass index (p=0.000, t=2.442), sitting hours per day (p=0.000), meals per day (p=0.000), and many other as all have p > 0.05.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that many participants suffer from osteoarthritis, with a strong link to elevated cholesterol levels and lifestyle factors. This highlights the need to promote awareness about cholesterol management and healthy lifestyle choices for better osteoarthritis management.