Osteoporosis is a growing chronic health problem that could result in mortalities and poor living quality. This study aimed at assessing the awareness of adults in Riyadh about this disease and its associated factors as well as compare KAP levels of men and women. A cross sectional study including 505 participants was conducted in several malls of Riyadh city during March 2012, selected by stratified random sampling technique. Self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. 86% of the participants had heard of osteoporosis. Media was the main source for Participants' knowledge; the mean knowledge score was 56.6% of the maximum achievable score. There was significant differences in knowledge scores by educational level, employment, income and residence (P = 0.005), (P = 0.008) (P = 0.0122) and (P = 0.009), respectively. Participants had low frequencies of preventive practices, especially females who had a mean total score equivalent to 48.8% of the maximum score, while males' mean score was 54.7% (P = 0.000). Perceived susceptibility was higher among females (83 vs. 74%, P = 0.000), and thus had less perception of the barriers to preventive actions, than men (49.6 vs. 55.5%, P = 0.000). Self-efficacy and perceived benefits had the highest scores (95% of the maximum achievable scores). Considerable number of adult males and females are unaware about osteoporosis. Since there is deficiency in the knowledge, and poor application of the preventive actions. Therefore, Education programs are needed to improve awareness and motivating healthy behaviours.

BackgroundVitamin D deficiency is common in the Middle East and in Saudi Arabia, in particular. While several international recommendations on the management of vitamin D deficiency have been documented and practiced globally, these recommendations should be adapted to the conditions of the Middle Eastern region. To address this challenge, the Prince Mutaib Chair for Biomarkers of Osteoporosis (PMCO) in King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh, KSA, together with local experts and in cooperation with the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO), organized a panel that formulated unified recommendations in the diagnosis and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in the region.MethodsThe selection of local and international experts commenced during the 2nd International Vitamin D Symposium conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, last January 20-–21, 2016. Reviews of the most recent literature were done, and face-to-face meetings were conducted for revisions and final recommendations.Results: Vitamin D sufficiency is defined as circulating serum 25(OH)D ≥50 nmol (≥20 ng/ml) for the general population and vitamin D adequacy as serum 25(OH)D >75 nmol/L l (>30 ng/ml) for the frail and osteoporotic elderly. Despite overwhelming prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, universal screening is not recommended. Recommendations for the general population, children, pregnant/lactating women, post-menopausal women, the elderly, and those with subsequent metabolic diseases were provided.ResultsVitamin D sufficiency is defined as circulating serum 25(OH)D ≥50 nmol (≥20 ng/ml) for the general population and vitamin D adequacy as serum 25(OH)D >75 nmol/L l (>30 ng/ml) for the frail and osteoporotic elderly. Despite overwhelming prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, universal screening is not recommended. Recommendations for the general population, children, pregnant/lactating women, post-menopausal women, the elderly, and those with subsequent metabolic diseases were provided.ConclusionVitamin D supplementation/correction is advised in all persons whose serum 25(OH)D falls below 50 nmol/l (20 ng/ml), and achieving a target of 75 nmol/l (30 ng/ml) is particularly suited for frail, osteoporotic, and older patients. Conducting well-designed clinical trials in the region that will address economic implications and investigations on the treatment persistence and compliance to vitamin D treatment in the region are encouraged.

The majority of the study cohort had heard about osteoporosis. Female respondents were more knowledgeable. Age was negatively correlated with the level of awareness. Awareness levels and the main sociodemographic determinants were significantly associated. The study recommended that health authorities and physicians should have better involvement in patient education efforts to improve and maintain the information provided on osteoporosis.