"I Never Realised How Little I Knew!": A Pilot Study of Osteoporosis Knowledge, Beliefs, and Behaviours

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine knowledge of osteoporosis (OP), health behaviours, and health beliefs among a sample of women in the West Midlands of the United Kingdom (N = 163; mean age = 40 years). The study was cross sectional, and data were collected by self-administered questionnaires. Although women were fairly knowledgeable about some aspects of OP, gaps in knowledge were identified in relation to hereditary links, bone density scans, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), vitamin D, and specific exercise. Increased age was associated with increased perception of risk (p = 0.003). Although receipt of OP information was predictive of knowledge (p < .0005), the majority (65%) appeared to be largely unaware of the potential threat. There is an overwhelming need for wider dissemination of information about OP, especially targeting younger women, to halt the progression of this silent disease.

A descriptive survey of the knowledge of female orthopaedic patients in Ireland about the effects, the risk factors and the prevention of osteoporosis

“…It is noteworthy that TV, newspapers and magazines and also family or friends were identified as the most frequent sources of information. Similar findings were found in Williams et al (2002) with 64% of participants getting their information from TV, other media sources and magazines. In Riberio et al's study (2000), physicians provided most of the information with the media sources and family or friends falling into the lower percentage categories.…”

“…As all of the women in this study were in the at risk age group for osteoporosis, it is alarming that none had considered having a scan or were even advised to consider it. Similar findings were reported by Williams et al (2002) where his sample was less well informed about the scan and unaware of its use. Nurses should urge women at risk to consider screening as Rubin and Cummings (1992) have reported that women with knowledge of their own low bone density levels were more likely to change behaviour to prevent fracture than women with normal bone density levels.…”

“…A third of the participants in this study were unaware of this fact. Inadequate knowledge regarding the use of HRT was also identified in Riberio et al's (2000) study and was echoed in the study carried out by Williams et al (2002). Few knew the benefits of HRT or its risks.…”

A survey of nurses’ and midwives’ knowledge of risks and lifestyle factors associated with osteoporosis

“…Increased knowledge of osteoporosis has been linked to increased age (Williams et al, 2002;Ungan and Tumer, 2001) and education (Ungan and Tumer, 2001;Sedlack et al, 2000). Interestingly, the American and Canadian studies reported women receiving most of their education/information on osteoporosis from their Health care providers (Ribeiro et al, 2000;, in contrast to the UK studies where women reported receiving most of their information from the media (Williams et al, 2002;Swiers, 1996).…”

The role of community multidisciplinary teams in osteoporosis treatment and prevention

“…Even more alarmingly Genant et al (1999), in their findings, highlight that less than half of women studied (46%), who sustained suspected osteoporosis fractures, received treatment or education within six months following a fracture occurring. This can be explained in part by the propensity of health professionals to focus on medical intervention and management at point of fracture (Williams et al, 2002).…”