Awareness of Knee Joint Protection Techniques Among Farmers Engaged in Squatting Activities

BackgroundFarming activities often require frequent squatting, kneeling, and manual handling of heavy loads, which place considerable stress on the knee joints and may contribute to the development of various knee-related musculoskeletal disorders.These factors may lead to knee pain, reduced functional ability, and a greater likelihood of developing knee-related disorders.However, the implementation of appropriate knee protection strategies can help minimize injury risk and preserve normal knee function. MethodsA quantitative quasi-experimental study using a one-group pretest-posttest design was conducted among farmers who regularly performed squatting activities.The study was carried out in rural areas of Karad, Maharashtra, India, over a period of six months.A total of 160 farmers were selected using a convenience sampling technique.Awareness related to knee joint protection methods was assessed using a selfstructured questionnaire.After obtaining informed written consent, participants completed the pre-test questionnaire.An educational intervention on knee joint protection techniques was then provided, followed by post-test assessment.The collected data were analyzed using suitable descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. ResultThe present study found a significant improvement in awareness of knee joint protection techniques following the educational intervention among farmers engaged in squatting activities.Among the participants, 85 (53.1%) reported knee pain, while 75 (46.9%)reported no knee pain.The majority belonged to the age group of 31-45 years, 78 (48.8%).Most participants worked for approximately 4 hours in squatting postures, 76 (47.5%), and 122 (76.3%) reported performing heavy lifting during deep squatting activities.Abnormal posture was observed in 86 (53.8%) of participants.Pre-intervention awareness showed that 27 (16.8%)had poor awareness, 127 (79.4%) had moderate awareness, and only 6 (3.8%) had good awareness.After the educational intervention, 0 (0.0%) participants remained in the poor category, 21 (13.1%)demonstrated moderate awareness, and 139 (86.9%) achieved good awareness.The improvement in awareness was statistically significant (p < 0.001). ConclusionThe significant improvement in post-intervention awareness scores highlights the importance of structured educational programs in promoting knowledge related to knee health.Increasing knowledge about knee joint protection strategies may help reduce the risk of occupational knee injuries, prevent functional limitations, and contribute to lowering the future burden of knee osteoarthritis among farmers involved in repetitive squatting activities.