Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a leading cause of disability, and local data on its impact on quality of life (QoL) remain limited. This study aimed to determine the QoL and its associated factors among patients with KOA. A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients aged 40 years and older with clinically or radiographically confirmed KOA at Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia. QoL was assessed using theye validated Malay version of the Osteoarthritis of Knee and Hip Quality of Life (OAKHQoL) questionnaire and the Malay version of the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC- VAS scale). Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Univariate analysis identified potential predictors of QoL, and multivariable linear regression was used to determine independent predictors. Of the 166 patients recruited, 152 completed the study (response rate 92%). Participants reported substantial pain and disability, reflected by a high mean WOMAC score of 939.7 ± 484.1 (range 49–2042). The most affected domain of the OAKHQoL was social functioning (59.1 ± 26.3). The overall OAKHQoL score was 41.8 ± 16.2, indicating a moderate reduction in QoL. Univariate analysis revealed that higher BMI (p = 0.033), a history of ischemic heart disease (p = 0.040), glucosamine use (p = 0.009), and higher WOMAC scores (p < 0.001) were associated with poorer QoL. Multivariable linear regression identified higher WOMAC scores (β = 0.025, 95% CI: 0.021–0.028, p < 0.001) and KOA grade 3 and 4 (β = 5.06, 95% CI: 0.048–10.06, p = 0.048) as independent predictors. Specifically, one unit increase in WOMAC score corresponded to a 0.025-unit increase in OAKHQoL score, while KL grades 3 and 4 were linked to a 5.06- unit higher OAKHQoL score. These findings highlight the central role of symptom severity and structural damage in shaping QoL in KOA. Early intervention, symptom management, and psychosocial support are essential to improve outcomes

Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant public health concern. Globally, TB is among the top 10 and the leading cause of death due to a single infectious agent. Providing standard anti-TB therapy for at least 6 months is recommended as one of the crucial strategies to control the TB epidemic. However, the long duration of TB treatment raised the issue of non-adherence. Non-adherence to TB therapy could negatively affect clinical and public health outcomes. Thus, directly observed therapy (DOT) has been introduced as a standard strategy to improve anti-TB medication adherence. Nonetheless, the DOT approach has been criticized due to inconvenience, stigma, reduced economic productivity, and reduced quality of life, which ultimately could complicate adherence issues. Apart from that, its effectiveness in improving anti-TB adherence is debatable. Therefore, digital technology could be an essential tool to enhance the implementation of DOT. Incorporating the health belief model (HBM) into digital technology can further increase its effectiveness in changing behavior and improving medication adherence. This article aimed to review the latest evidence regarding TB medication non-adherence, its associated factors, DOT’s efficacy and its alternatives, and the use of digital technology and HBM in improving medication adherence. This paper used the narrative review methodology to analyze related articles to address the study objectives. Conventional DOT has several disadvantages in TB management. Integrating HBM in digital technology development is potentially effective in improving medication adherence. Digital technology provides an opportunity to improve medication adherence to overcome various issues related to DOT implementation.