• Assessment of Quality of Life Among Women with Osteoarthritis in Gilan Province
  • Mohammad Saeed Ahmadifar,1 Soheila Mazloum Vajari,2,* Sina Rafiee,3 Haniyeh Akbarkhah,4
    1. Undergraduate Nursing Student, Young Researchers and Elite Clube, La.C, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran
    2. Department of Nursing, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan,Iran.
    3. Undergraduate Nursing Student, Young Researchers and Elite Clube, La.C, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran
    4. Undergraduate Nursing Student, Young Researchers and Elite Clube, Ra.C, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran


  • Introduction: Osteoarthritis is among the most prevalent chronic and progressive joint disorders globally, particularly affecting middle-aged and elderly women. Symptoms such as pain, joint stiffness, limited mobility, and reduced physical function can significantly affect multiple aspects of patients’ lives. In addition to physical challenges, women with osteoarthritis often face psychological, social, and economic consequences. In underserved regions, many women carry multiple responsibilities, including caregiving, household management, and emotional support. The onset of a chronic condition like osteoarthritis may impair their ability to fulfill these roles, directly or indirectly diminishing their quality of life. This study aimed to assess the quality of life among women with osteoarthritis in Gilan Province, Iran.
  • Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between 2024 and 2025 on 53 women diagnosed with osteoarthritis who attended selected healthcare centers in Gilan Province. Participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a two-part questionnaire: the first section captured demographic information, and the second comprised the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, covering four domains of quality of life (physical, psychological, social relationships, and environmental). Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 27, using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage) and inferential tests (independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient). A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
  • Results: The participants’ mean age was 57.45 ± 10.49 years, and 34% reported a history of knee surgery. The overall mean quality of life score was 57.31 ± 17.40, indicating a moderate level. Among the four domains, the physical domain had the lowest mean score (59.02 ± 12.56), reflecting the greatest dissatisfaction, while the social relationships domain had the highest (63.20 ± 16.86), suggesting relatively better conditions in this area. No statistically significant associations were found between quality of life scores and age (r = -0.133, p = 0.343), education level (p = 0.847), or history of knee surgery (p = 0.121).
  • Conclusion: Women with osteoarthritis in Gilan Province experience a moderate quality of life, with the lowest scores in the physical domain—likely due to pain, functional limitations, and difficulty performing daily activities. These findings highlight the need for rehabilitation, supportive, and educational interventions to improve physical function and reduce the psychological burden of the disease. In contrast, higher scores in the social relationships domain point to the positive influence of family and social support in enhancing coping abilities and reducing isolation. Future research should explore the effects of targeted interventions on specific quality-of-life dimensions among women with osteoarthritis.
  • Keywords: Osteoarthritis, Women, Quality of Life