<![CDATA[Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common degenerative joint disorders, particularly affecting the elderly population and frequently involving the knee joint (primary genu OA). Body Mass Index (BMI) is widely recognized as a modifiable risk factor that may contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. In Makassar, the prevalence of primary genu OA has continued to rise, especially among older adults with a BMI of ≥25 kg/m². This study aimed to examine the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and the incidence of primary genu osteoarthritis among elderly patients at Ibnu Sina Hospital YW-UMI Makassar during the period of 2022–2024. This research used a quantitative cross-sectional design involving 50 elderly respondents, consisting of 25 patients diagnosed with primary genu OA and 25 patients without OA. Data were obtained from medical records, including variables such as age, BMI, and osteoarthritis status. Univariate analysis was used to describe respondent characteristics, while bivariate analysis with the Fisher Exact test was performed to evaluate the relationship between BMI categories and the occurrence of OA. The findings indicated that most respondents were aged 60–69 years (48%). The majority had BMI values categorized as normal (52%) and overweight (36%). The proportion of respondents with OA and without OA was equal, each accounting for 50% of the sample. Statistical analysis demonstrated that there was no significant relationship between BMI and the incidence of primary genu osteoarthritis (p = 0.46). The study concludes that BMI was not significantly associated with the occurrence of primary genu osteoarthritis in the study population. Nevertheless, maintaining a healthy body weight remains important for the prevention and management of osteoarthritis among the elderly.]]>
