Abstract
This study examined how widespread symptomatic knee osteoarthritis is in Ede South Local Government Area of Osun State, Southwest Nigeria and described the common patterns in which it occurs within the community. A community-based cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among adults aged ≥30 years. Using multistage cluster sampling, participants were screened through interviews and clinical examinations based on the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) clinical criteria. Severity was assessed using the Lequesne Algofunctional Index. Out of approximately 1,400 surveyed residents, 229 met the ACR criteria, giving a prevalence of 16.4% among adults ≥30 years and 20.6% among those ≥40 years. Female prevalence (40.1%) was significantly higher than male prevalence (13.5%). Prevalence peaked at 38.6% in the 60–69 years age group. Severity was strongly associated with obesity and age. Most affected individuals had unilateral knee involvement, and cultural beliefs such as attributing OA to old age, evil spirits and heredity influenced healthcare-seeking behaviour. The findings of this study reveal that knee osteoarthritis is highly common in rural parts of Southwest Nigeria, affects women more than men and is a significant cause of disability in Ede South. The study therefore recommends strengthening public health education, promoting early screening, encouraging lifestyle changes and improving access to primary services to help prevent and manage knee osteoarthritis effectively.