Assessment of osteoporosis knowledge and awareness among Saudi population using the Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder that is characterized by low bone mass, micro-architectural disruption, and skeletal fragility, resulting in an increased risk of fracture. Osteoporosis imposes a great threat to public health as it is a major cause for fractures that are associated with high morbidity and mortality, such as hip and vertebral fractures. It is considered a preventable disease, thus in this study, we are aiming to assess the knowledge of the individuals to be able to address the insufficient awareness among the society. Materials and Methods: This is a quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study that was conducted in the capital city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Arabic self-reported questionnaire was used consisted of sociodemographic questions and the Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool. Results: With a sample of 451, only 15.2% of the participants were aware about osteoporosis. A total of 42.8% believed that it is easy to judge if you were at risk of developing osteoporosis from signs and symptoms and only 9.3% of participants know that osteoporosis does not usually cause symptoms such as pain before fractures. Discussion: Major lack and inadequacy were found among our sample regarding the knowledge of osteoporosis which correlates with previous studies. Significant increase in the awareness level of Chinese society was noticed between 2011 and 2018 from 30.7% to 67.8%, respectively. Conclusion: Knowledge of osteoporosis among Saudi society is way behind the required level. Raising the awareness of the individual will help to decrease the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures leading to decrease in morbidity and mortality, burden, and cost.