Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Awareness Levels Among Indian Postmenopausal Women About Osteoporosis and Its Relationship With Sociodemographic Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study From Northern India

Abstract

BackgroundOsteoporosis is a silent disease and can be prevented by providing correct and appropriate information to the individuals at risk. Therefore, we aim to find out the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of postmenopausal women, the highest-risk group. MethodsBetween May 2021 and December 2023, a cross-sectional study was done in the Military Hospital in Ambala, India, in 1326 postmenopausal women of age between 45 and 70 years who visited the outpatient department of orthopedics and who previously had a measure of bone mineral density (BMD) or estimation of BMD. All patients participating in the study received a questionnaire that assessed the level of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to osteoporosis. The Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool (OKAT) was used to assess these parameters. ResultsThe mean age was 60±3.1 years. The mean score for osteoporosis awareness was 6/20 points. A total of 983 (73.13%) had no knowledge about osteoporosis, and 221 (16.66%) had higher knowledge. Knowledge about osteoporosis was low with a mean knowledge score of 7.44±3.16 and a median of 7.2. It was found that those who graduated had some knowledge regarding osteoporosis with the help of either a hospital staff or a family member who had a history of osteoporosis. ConclusionsEven among postmenopausal women who know they are at risk and should have BMD, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about osteoporosis were found to be quite low. In addition, education and mass communications are needed to increase awareness among women of this age about improving bone health.