A Qualitative Study of Psychosocial Factors in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: Insights Learned From an Asian Population

Abstract

With knowledge about the impact of culturally relevant psychosocial factors on the experience and outcomes of patients with knee OA, clinicians will be able to screen and actively explore these factors more effectively. Especially important themes include pain perception (paying close attention to signs of pain catastrophizing and negative affect), presence of chronic illness shame associated with a diagnosis of knee OA (including the stigma associated with using a walking aid), and level of social support received and contributions of a patient's built environment to kinesiophobia. For patients who are still working, the presence of workplace stressors and management of these stressors should also be explored. Where possible, screening tools that measure psychosocial factors such as pain catastrophizing and emotional distress can also be used as an added layer of screening in busy clinical settings.