Depression, pain and physical function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: implications for interprofessional care

Abstract

Background and purpose: Depression has been found to be associated with pain and poor physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis though it is not sufficiently documented in Nigeria. This study was aimed at investigating the relationship among pain, depression and physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis in Ibadan. Methods: Eighty individuals diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis were screened for depression using the mood/ depression assessment questionnaire. Depression, physical function and pain were assessed by Becks Depression Inventory, Ibadan Knee Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Measure and Modified Visual Analogue Scale respectively. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation test and linear regression (alpha level set at 0.05).  Results: Screening for depression was positive in 28.8% of patients aged 62.69 ± 5.96 years. There were significant correlations between physical function and each of pain intensity (r=-0.659) and depression (r = - 0.660) and between pain intensity and depression (r= 0.611). Negative linear relationship exist between physical function and each of pain (R2=0.434), depression (R2=0.436). A positive linear relationship exists between pain intensity and depression (R2=0.374).Conclusion: About a quarter of patients with knee osteoarthritis had depression. Individuals with knee osteoarthritis who had higher levels of pain were more depressed and had lower level of physical function.