Knowledge and practices of postmenopausal women regarding vitamin D and osteoporosis.

Abstract

Objective: Vitamin D has a direct influence on musculoskeletal health, and vitamin D deficiency is related to lower bone density and greater bone resorption and to a higher incidence of fractures. To assess knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding vitamin D and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out with 260 postmenopausal women who underwent routine consultations at the menopause outpatient clinic of Campinas State University-São Paulo. Women aged 50 years or older with amenorrhea for at least 12 months were included. From an interview, sociodemographic information and health data were collected, and knowledge about vitamin D, habits related to vitamin D, and knowledge about osteoporosis were evaluated using the Facts on Osteoporosis Quiz (FOOQ) questionnaire.

Results: A total of 67.31% of women answered less than half of the questions about knowledge of vitamin D, 58.85% performed their day-to-day activities mostly outdoors, and 53.85% said they did not expose themselves sufficiently to the sun in their daily lives. The average knowledge score on the FOOQ was 15.83 (± 3.75). The variables education level, number of correct FOOQ answers and total self-care score were associated with the highest score for knowledge of vitamin D.

Conclusion: Knowledge about vitamin D and osteoporosis in this group of postmenopausal women was limited. High levels of education, knowledge about osteoporosis and self-care were factors associated with knowledge about vitamin D.