DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2026.v14i11.004

Pages: 1263-1268

Background of the Study: Knee osteoarthritis affects functional independence and quality of life. This study evaluated these outcomes and examined associations with psychosocial factors like depression, social support, and socio-demographic variables. Aim: A study to assess the functional independence, quality of life and psychosocial (Depression and Social support) determinants among patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis attending selected orthopedic hospitals in Bagalkot. Data were collected using standardized tools measuring functional independence, quality of life, depression, and social support. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and chi-square tests were used for data analysis. Result: Functional Independence: Most patients had severe (47%) or moderate (44%) dependence; mean score 59.40 ± 15.96. Quality of Life: 84% reported good QoL; mean 74.13 ± 16.88. and psychosocial determinants Depression: 95% showed clinically significant depression; mean 25.02 ± 8.46. Social Support: 62% had high support; mean 66.75 ± 15.21. Correlations: Functional independence strongly positively correlated with QoL (r = 0.9881). and psychosocial determinants Depression negatively correlated with functional independence (r = -0.977) and QoL (r = -0.963). Social support positively correlated with functional independence (r = 0.988) and QoL (r = 0.963). Associations: Functional independence linked to age, occupation, OA grade/type, pain level, and chronic illness. QoL linked to age, occupation, income, alcoholism history, illness duration, OA grade/type, and pain. Conclusion: The findings indicate that knee osteoarthritis severely affects functional independence, and psychosocial factors such as depression and social support play a significant role in determining both functional ability and quality of life. These results highlight the importance of incorporating