Title: Statistical Modeling of Knee Pain in Vietnamese Women ?50: Effects of BMI and Physical Activity in a Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nghi Nguyen Buu Trang Vuong Thi Huyen
Volume: 9
Issue: 10
Pages: 19-25
Publication Date: 2025/10/28
Abstract:
: Knee pain constitutes a substantial public health concern among older women, representing a leading cause of functional limitation and reduced quality of life. Existing evidence indicates that elevated body mass index (BMI) and insufficient physical activity are critical modifiable determinants of knee pain; however, empirical data in community-dwelling older women in Vietnam remain scarce. This research has two primary objectives: to assess the prevalence of knee pain among Vietnamese women aged 50 and above, to evaluate the associations of body mass index (BMI) and physical activity as two distinct contributing factors of knee pain, and (iv) to develop tailored interventions intended for knee pain anthropometric factors. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted in 3 districts of Vietnam between January 2024 and December 2024. Through stratified random sampling, 428 women aged 50 and above were enrolled. Assessment of knee pain was performed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS, 0-10) and was categorized by four levels of severity. BMI was calculated and categorized as per the Asian-specific guidelines from the WHO. Physical activity was assessed through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Apart from age, comorbidities, prior knee injury, and the physical demands of their occupation were considered as confounding factors for the multivariable logistic regression analysis. The overall prevalence of knee pain (NRS ?1) was 54.2% (95% CI: 49.4-58.9). Obese women (BMI ?25 kg/mē) had significantly higher odds of having knee pain when compared to those of normal BMI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.26-2.64; p = 0.002). Low physical activity was also independently associated with knee pain (aOR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.09-2.19; p = 0.015). No significant interaction between BMI and physical activity was found. There is an alarming lack of targeted preventive action for women suffering osteoporosis-related knee pain in Vietnam. Public health approaches that focus on appropriate weight and encourage workout routines may lessen the burden of knee pain and its associated disabilities among women in this age group.