Objective Osteoporosis is a global health problem, and its prevalence is rapidly increasing worldwide. Misconceptions about osteoporosis and the lack of preventive measures among women are still common, emphasizing the need for primary prevention at an early age. The process of planning an effective osteoporosis prevention programme requires sufficient information about women's osteoporosis health beliefs. The objective of this study is to assess the health beliefs of 20–44 year-old Arab women about osteoporosis at primary health care centres in the State of Qatar. Methods The researchers utilized a cross-sectional study design, where cluster sampling with proportionate allocation was employed to enrol 766 eligible women who were interviewed using a structured Arabic questionnaire. Results The majority of the participating women showed lower perceived susceptibility to osteoporosis (71.7%) but higher perceived benefits of preventive practices (91.7%). Conclusion Despite lower perception of susceptibility to osteoporosis, women were highly motivated to take care of their health and believed in the benefits of a calcium-rich diet and regular exercise. The integration of osteoporosis prevention into women's health programmes at the primary health care level, as well as physical activity and nutritional programs, are recommended.

INTRODUCTIONOsteoporosis knowledge is one of several factors that are associated with osteoporosis preventive behavior. Moreover, the educational level of individuals has the potential to change the perception of health and illness to a much better level. Thus, highly educated people usually seek knowledge and have an opportunity to learn about health preventive behavior more than those with a lower educational level.1 Similarly, elderly women who, during ABSTRACTBackground: Osteoporosis is a global health problem and its prevalence is rapidly increasing worldwide. Misunderstanding about osteoporosis and the lack of preventive action among women are still common, making primary prevention at an early age the preferable intervention. This study aims at assessing the knowledge of osteoporosis and preventive practices among women aged 20-44 years. Furthermore, the planning for osteoporosis prevention requires sufficient information about women`s health beliefs, knowledge, and preventive practices as well as the cultural and socioeconomic features. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study where participants were recruited using cluster sampling with proportionate allocation. The sample (N=766) consisted of eligible women, attending the primary health care centers in Qatar during 2010, and they were interviewed using the modified Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool (OKAT). The period of this study was between January 2010 and December 2011. Results: The overall knowledge score was 61.4%, with the risk factors knowledge component being the lowest at 50%. A statistically significant relation was noted between the overall knowledge score and age, the level of education, marital status, and positive family history of osteoporosis. About 79% of the participants reported being exposed to direct sun rays for > 30 minutes /week, while only 33.6% of them were engaging in proper weight bearing exercise. Finally, the food consumption score was low at 45.4%, especially when it came to fruits and vegetables (39.6%). Conclusions:The knowledge of osteoporosis risk factors, the practice of weight bearing exercise, and the consumption of calcium and vitamin D rich diet were low. Thus, it is necessary to integrate the different components of osteoporosis prevention into a comprehensive women health program.