Evaluation of knowledge about osteoporosis risk factors among adults above 40 years of age in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia

M.S. Alharbi, A.S. Almutairi, A.S. Alwabel, H.A. Ali, J. Alrumayh, R.A. Alnasayan, S.M. Alghofaili, A. Alshomar

Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia. alshoola@hotmail.com

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• Endocrinology
• Public Health

OBJECTIVE: Osteoporosis is a bone disease that develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decrease, or when the quality of bone changes. It is the most common bone disease, representing a major public health problem. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of risk factors for osteoporosis among adults above 40 in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among adults who were above 40 years of age and living in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. A survey questionnaire was distributed to respondents while they attended primary health care as well as online via social media.

RESULTS: 390 participants responded to our survey (65.6% females vs. 34.4% males). The most common age group was 41 to 50 years (59.7%). The prevalence of participants who were having information about osteoporosis was 59%. Overall, the knowledge of participants about osteoporosis was good (63.1%), 33.3% had moderate knowledge and only 3.6% were assumed to have a poor knowledge level. Factors associated with increased knowledge was being a female and being an employee.

CONCLUSIONS: Although the knowledge of the adult population aged above 40 years old seems adequate, there is still room for improvement. Female participants who were currently employed demonstrated a better understanding of osteoporosis than other adults. Further research is warranted to establish the effect of advanced age on their level of understanding regarding osteoporosis and its risk factors.

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