Abstract
Background: Osteoporosis is a major health concern among healthcare providers and relevant stakeholders. This study aims to evaluate the impact of knowledge, attitude and practices in management of osteoporosis in primary healthcare settings in Saudi Arabia.
Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Majmaah city during 2019 enrolling 316 individuals (aged 18-60 years). Subjects were selected using a multi-stratified random sampling technique. Questionnaires inquiring about both sociodemographic factors and osteoporosis knowledge were given to participants. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0.
Results: Most of study participants were males (66.8%) while females constituted 33.2%. Out of a total score of 14 points, the mean knowledge score was 8.7 +/- 3.2 points. We identified 122 (38.6%) participants with good knowledge about osteoporosis while 194 (61.4%) with poor knowledge, where 76.6% have previously heard about osteoporosis. Data analysis revealed moderate knowledge of participants about benefits of consuming preventive foods such as dairy products. Moderate percent of participants had knowledge about healthy impacts of increased activity and exercise to prevent osteoporosis.
Conclusion: We found moderate level of knowledge about osteoporosis among the general population of Majmaah, Saudi Arabia. The percentage of participants answering 75% or more knowledge related questions was 38.6% and were recorded with good knowledge level. Socioeconomic factors such as male gender, Saudi nationality, married individuals, higher educational levels and employment were significantly associated with higher level of knowledge related to osteoporosis.