Analysis of depression, activity daily living and balance among elderly with knee osteoarthritis in Malang, Indonesia

Objective: To investigate the relationship between
depression and activity daily living (ADL) towards
balance among knee osteoarthritis patients in Malang.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study with
purposive sampling technique was conducted in
primary healthcare centers in Malang and included 166
participants. Patients aged above 60 years, diagnosed
with knee osteoarthritis with Kellgren-Lawrence grade
1-2, had symptoms of depression/mild depression
(based on medical diagnosis), did not have severe
visual disturbances; did not have neurological
problems and did not consume any antidepressants
were included in the study. We used Geriatric
Depression Scale, Barthel Index, and Single Leg
Standing test. All the data were analyzed using the
Independent T-test and Pearson Correlation.
Results: Depression negatively correlated with
balance ability (p<0.05; r1=-0.25). Ability to do daily
activities was positively correlated with balance ability
(p<0.05; r = 0.55).
Conclusion: It is urged to focus on maintaining and
promoting knee osteoarthritis patients’ psychological
health and recommend it to be included in the policy
of geriatric health management. This will minimize the
occurrence of potentially harmful secondary effects
and gain an optimal quality of life for the elderly.