Volume : 13, Issue : 06, June – 2026

Title:

HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AND THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT IN OSTEOARTHRITIS:
A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF PATIENT OUTCOMES, ADHERENCE AND INTERVENTIONAL STRATEGIES

Authors :

Athira Sajeev, Dr.T. Tamilselvan, nimitha.k. Rajan, Jismi Jackson

Abstract :

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that has a significant global impact on physical mobility and patient well-being. Historically, joint failure was managed based on radiographic severity; however, modern clinical practice emphasises patient-reported outcome metrics to reflect the day-to-day impact. This comprehensive review combines clinical evidence from 30 landmark and recent research to investigate the clinical factors of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and real-world therapeutic management options in OA populations. A thorough literature search was conducted until 2026 using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. A dual-reviewer consensus technique was used to screen studies based on tight inclusion criteria, including adult populations, a verified OA diagnosis, and the use of validated generic or disease-specific HRQoL indicators. The synthesised data show that anatomical location specificity (including the knee, hip, hand, ankle, and temporomandibular joints) and clinical symptom severity have a significant impact on HRQoL. Furthermore, systemic variables such as growing chronic comorbidities, advanced obesity classes, and secondary mental health problems like anxiety and depression serve as clinical amplifiers, drastically lowering patient-reported health ratings. In terms of therapeutic management, broad medication nonadherence jeopardises oral treatments, prompting interest in enhanced topical drug delivery systems that maximise localised anti-inflammatory penetration. Furthermore, planned primary care self-management programs and prompt total knee arthroplasty result in significant, long-term improvements in physical function, assuming that pre-operative psychosocial and metabolic comorbidities are effectively addressed. Finally, frequently incorporating validated HRQoL tools into clinical practice is critical for closing the gap between clinical efficacy and real-world results, resulting in optimal, multidisciplinary care.
Keywords: Osteoarthritis; Health-Related Quality of Life; Patient-Reported Outcome Measures; Medication Adherence; Topical Drug Delivery; Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Cite This Article:

Please cite this article in press Athira Sajeev et al., Health-Related Quality Of Life And Therapeutic Management In Osteoarthritis:A Systematic Review Of Patient Outcomes, Adherence And Interventional Strategies, Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2026; 13(06).

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