The Prevalence and Associated Factors of Self-Reported Knee Injuries Among Amateur Players in Saudi Arabia

Background/Objectives: Saudi evidence on self-reported knee injuries among amateur sport participants is limited. We estimated lifetime knee injury prevalence and associated factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study used non-probability convenience sampling to recruit amateur players aged 18-60 years without chronic disease. Data were collected in 2022 using an Arabic study questionnaire and the Saudi Arabic Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. The primary outcome was a broadly defined, self-reported lifetime knee injury history. Associations were estimated using logistic and Firth penalized logistic regression. Results: Of 462 submissions after the eligibility gateway, 273 were eligible and internally consistent. Most participants were male (89.4%), and football was the most frequently reported sport (74.7%). Overall, 155 participants reported a lifetime knee injury (56.8%; 95% CI 50.8-62.5%). In the adjusted model (n = 269), football participation (aOR = 2.60, 95% CI 1.35-5.13; p = 0.004) and older age (aOR per year = 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.08; p = 0.023) were associated with higher odds. Estimates for male sex and high exercise intensity were imprecise. Conclusions: More than half of this convenience sample reported a lifetime knee injury. Football was the most consistent correlate. These cross-sectional findings are neither causal nor nationally representative.