PREVALENCE AND CAUSES OF KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS AMONG YOUTHS ATTENDING NATIONAL ORTHOPEDIC HOSPITAL DALA, KANO STATE

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA), traditionally associated with aging, is increasingly affecting younger populations, raising significant public health concerns. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and causes of KOA among youths aged 17-35 attending the National Orthopedic Hospital Dala in Kano State, Nigeria. A retrospective analysis of outpatient records from January 2022 to December 2023 was conducted, focusing on risk factors such as physical injuries, family history, obesity, and other metabolic conditions. Data from 87 patients were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chisquare tests, and independent t-tests. The findings revealed that 33.7% of KOA cases were linked to physical injuries, 2.3% to family history, and 60.9% to other causes, including obesity and hypertension. Physical injuries, particularly sports-related and road traffic accidents, were significant contributors to early-onset KOA, aligning with existing literature on post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Family history, though less prevalent, showed a significant association with KOA, suggesting a genetic predisposition. Obesity and hypertension emerged as major metabolic risk factors, contributing to joint stress and inflammation. The study underscores the multifactorial nature of KOA in youths, highlighting the importance of early preventive measures, including injury prevention programs, weight management, and genetic screening. These findings provide valuable insights for targeted interventions to mitigate the rising prevalence of KOA among younger populations in Nigeria and similar settings. Further longitudinal and intervention studies are recommended to explore causal relationships and evaluate the effectiveness of preventive strategies.