Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) Regarding Osteoporosis among General Population in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background:Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue. The prevalence of osteoporosis among Saudi population was estimated at 34% in a review of the published articles up to 2011. The etiology for this high prevalence among Saudis is multi-factorial and possible causes include: lifestyle malpractices, vitamin-D deficiency and genetic factors. Aim: To evaluate knowledge and perceptions of causes and prevention of osteoporosis among general population of Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A national cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted on 579 participants Original Research Articleof general population in Saudi Arabia aged 15 to 65 years old in March 2015 and the questionnaire was validated. Results: Out of 579 participants, 559 have heard about osteoporosis, the main resources were (43.44%) family members and friends. More male (58%) were able to identify that osteoporosis is a silent disease while only (44.4%) female did. the only risk factor that was identified by more than three quarter of participants in both (91.7%) male and (94.8%) female groups was not eating calcium-rich foods. Previous hip fracture was the lowest recognized risk factor (56.66%) of participants. participants with master degree had the best knowledge compared to participants other degrees. Participants with ages between 51-65 years had the higher percent of correct answers while those aged between 15-35 years had the lowest. Approximately 68.1% of respondents were concerned of having osteoporosis in a point of their lives. Almost two thirds (65.6%) thought that they can influence the probability of having osteoporosis. About 8.82% had measured their bone mineral density BMD, while 43.40% of them knew that they have more than one risk factor. Conclusion: This study reveals that osteoporosis knowledge is low among the Saudi population and consequently the attitude and practices towards this disease are also below normal.A good knowledge and awareness of a disease are pre-requisites for success of preventive measures, modifications in life styles and treatment adherence.

Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Osteoporosis and Correlates of Perceived High Risk among People Living in Two Main Districts of Lebanon

“…It is important to highlight that 83.8% or 315 participants reported having heard about OP, which is in accordance with another study in Saudi Arabia [ 19 ]. Furthermore, the knowledge difference between females and males was significant for some questions and not significant for others.…”

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Osteoporosis Among Allied Health Sciences Students in a Public University in Malaysia

“…Another study claimed that some young adults chose not to be active even though they were quite active during their adolescents' phase (49). Therefore, a lower risk of getting osteoporosis could be achieved by avoiding sedentary lifestyle and be more active by exercising every day (50).…”

Assessment of osteoporosis knowledge among adult Saudi females attending the family medicine department at Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

“…Females above the age of 40 had higher scores in all of the four OKAT subscales. A national cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia in the year 2016[ 16 ] had a similar result, especially in the 51–65 year age group. Similarly, in a study done in Pakistan in 2006[ 26 ] revealed that younger females had poor knowledge compared to older females.…”

“…Also, participants above 51 years old had more correct answers regarding osteoporosis than those aged 15 to 35 years. [ 16 ] In Riyadh, two studies showed that there is poor application of preventive measures for osteoporosis by the Saudi females. [ 17 18 ]…”