Evaluation of knowledge about osteoporosis risk factors among adults above 40 years of age in Hafar Al-Batin Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is a growing public health issue that is prevalent among the Saudi Arabian population. Several risk factors for the disease have been identified and could be modified using preventive strategies, including increasing awareness about the disease in susceptible individuals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using interview-based questionnaires to evaluate knowledge of osteoporosis risk factors in a sample of 513 Saudi participants attending primary health care centers (PHCCs) in the Hafar Al-Batin region, Saudi Arabia. The analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21. Findings: A total of 513 participants were surveyed (78.8% female and 21.2% male). The study population had an overall good knowledge about osteoporosis risk factors. The analysis detected significant associations between the level of knowledge and the following parameters: sex, marital status, employment status, and education level ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: The majority of the study cohort had good knowledge of osteoporosis risk factors. The male participants had significantly more knowledge compared to females. Married people had better knowledge scores compared to unmarried ones. Employed and educated participants had significantly better knowledge compared to unemployed and those with an education level less than college. The involvement of primary health care utilizers by physicians and health authorities is highly recommended to increase awareness of osteoporosis.

Gender Disparities in Osteoporosis Knowledge, Health Beliefs and Preventive Behaviors in Najran City, Saudi Arabia

“…The higher osteoporosis-related knowledge among female participants was similar to several prior studies in Saudi Arabia [32,33]; Malaysia [31]; Canada [34], and Southern United States [35]. However, in the study by Alrashidy et al, 2021, they reported conflicting results, as it was found that males had better knowledge of osteoporosis than females. These disparities could be attributed to participants' basic data differences, such as educational level and employment status.…”

“…These disparities could be attributed to participants' basic data differences, such as educational level and employment status. In the current study, 65.3% of the participants had a higher education compared to 14.8% in the study by El-Rachidi et al Moreover, only 17.1% of the participants were not working compared to 72% in the El-Rachidi et al study [36].…”

The perceptiveness of the preventable measures and complications of osteoporosis in Saudi Arabia

“…In our study, 92.2% of participants reported that osteoporosis increases the incidence of fractures. This was higher than the results reported in another study, as three-quarters of the respondents in this analysis agreed that osteoporosis and fractures are related (Alrashidy, 2021) expected to experience a clinical fracture (Johnell and Kanis, 2006). A sensible and successful treatment for osteoporosis in peri-and early postmenopausal women is hormone replacement therapy (Gambacciani and Levancini, 2014).…”

Motivation and Barriers for Seeking Osteoporosis Screening Services Among the Elderly Population in Al-Madina Munawara

“…Individuals with a higher level of knowledge and understanding about osteoporosis are supposed to be more likely to recognize the value of screening services and proactively seek them out. One study conducted in Saudi Arabia found that more than one-third of the participants had moderate or poor knowledge of osteoporosis [14]. Increased education and awareness campaigns can contribute to improving this motivator and consequently enhance screening uptake.…”