ObjectiveTo systematically review the risk factors for knee osteoarthritis among Chinese population.MethodsCNKI, WanFang Data, PubMed and EMbase databases were electronically searched to collect studies related to risk factors for knee osteoarthritis in Chinese population from January 2005 to November 2020. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed risk of bias of included studies; meta-analysis was then performed using RevMan 5.4 software.ResultsA total of 18 studies involving 46 375 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that body mass index (BMI)≥28 kg/m2 (OR=1.78, 95%CI 1.47 to 2.14, P<0.000 1), females (OR=2.20, 95%CI 1.98 to 2.45, P<0.000 1), family history of osteoarthritis (OR=3.56, 95%CI 1.88 to 6.73, P<0.000 1), age≥60 years old (OR=1.42, 95%CI 1.26 to 1.59, P<0.000 1), history of joint trauma (OR=4.11, 95%CI 2.85 to 5.93, P<0.000 1), manual labor (OR=1.57, 95%CI 1.32 to 1.86, P<0.000 1), heavy housework (OR=1.63, 95%CI 1.20 to 2.22, P<0.000 1), humid environment (OR=4.33, 95%CI 2.99 to 6.29, P<0.000 1), drinking habit (OR=1.69, 95%CI 1.21 to 2.36, P=0.002), non-elevator building (OR=1.78, 95%CI 1.18 to 2.70, P=0.006), joint load (OR=9.14, 95%CI 3.05 to 27.45, P<0.000 1), cold environment (OR=2.13, 95%CI 1.32 to 3.44, P=0.002), and habit of sitting cross-legged (OR=7.56, 95%CI 1.74 to 32.79, P=0.007) were risk factors for knee osteoarthritis among Chinese population.ConclusionsControlling and reducing weight, preventing knee injuries, keeping joints warm, controlling alcohol consumption, improving humid and cold living environment, appropriately reducing heavy physical labor, reducing joint weight, and changing the habit of sitting cross-legged can prevent the occurrence of knee osteoarthritis.