Beyond pain: how socioeconomic and psychosocial factors shape medication use in knee osteoarthritis - a cross-sectional study.

AIMS: Chronic pain and disability are the main symptoms of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Pharmacological therapy is widely employed for pain relief, although its efficacy and safety vary with clinical, socioeconomic, and psychosocial conditions. The objective of this research was to explore the relationships among pain medication profiles and psychosocial, economic, and educational factors in people with KOA.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study included 211 adults with KOA; medication use was verified via Drugs.com®. Multivariable logistic regression analyzed the associations of pain intensity (NPRS), pain catastrophizing (PCS), kinesiophobia (TSK), education, and income with polypharmacy and potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs).

RESULTS

Higher PCS scores were associated with increased odds of polypharmacy (OR = 1.34; 95% CI 1.01-1.68) and potential DDIs (OR = 2.16; 95% CI 1.01-4.62). Income above five minimum wages further raised these odds (polypharmacy OR = 6.07; DDIs OR = 12.08). In contrast, Secondary and Higher Education were protective against DDIs (OR = 0.32 and 0.26, respectively). Model fit was satisfactory (Tjur's R2 = 0.204 for polypharmacy; 0.182 for DDIs).

CONCLUSIONS

Socioeconomic and psychosocial factors significantly influence the medication profile and pain experience of individuals with KOA, highlighting the importance of integrating clinical, social, and cognitive determinants in patient management.