The knowledge of osteoporosis risk factors and preventive practices among women of reproductive age in the state of Qatar: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONOsteoporosis knowledge is one of several factors that are associated with osteoporosis preventive behavior. Moreover, the educational level of individuals has the potential to change the perception of health and illness to a much better level. Thus, highly educated people usually seek knowledge and have an opportunity to learn about health preventive behavior more than those with a lower educational level.1 Similarly, elderly women who, during ABSTRACTBackground: Osteoporosis is a global health problem and its prevalence is rapidly increasing worldwide. Misunderstanding about osteoporosis and the lack of preventive action among women are still common, making primary prevention at an early age the preferable intervention. This study aims at assessing the knowledge of osteoporosis and preventive practices among women aged 20-44 years. Furthermore, the planning for osteoporosis prevention requires sufficient information about women`s health beliefs, knowledge, and preventive practices as well as the cultural and socioeconomic features. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study where participants were recruited using cluster sampling with proportionate allocation. The sample (N=766) consisted of eligible women, attending the primary health care centers in Qatar during 2010, and they were interviewed using the modified Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool (OKAT). The period of this study was between January 2010 and December 2011. Results: The overall knowledge score was 61.4%, with the risk factors knowledge component being the lowest at 50%. A statistically significant relation was noted between the overall knowledge score and age, the level of education, marital status, and positive family history of osteoporosis. About 79% of the participants reported being exposed to direct sun rays for > 30 minutes /week, while only 33.6% of them were engaging in proper weight bearing exercise. Finally, the food consumption score was low at 45.4%, especially when it came to fruits and vegetables (39.6%). Conclusions:The knowledge of osteoporosis risk factors, the practice of weight bearing exercise, and the consumption of calcium and vitamin D rich diet were low. Thus, it is necessary to integrate the different components of osteoporosis prevention into a comprehensive women health program.

Levels of Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practices Regarding Osteoporosis and the Associations with Bone Mineral Density among Populations More Than 40 Years Old in Malaysia

“…In the present study, a moderate level of knowledge regarding osteoporosis was indicated among the subjects. This observation was in line with previous studies on knowledge regarding osteoporosis among Malaysian adult populations [23,24]; adult women (aged >40 years old) in Alexandria, Egypt [43], and Arabian women (aged 20 to 44 years old) in Qatar [44]. The study participants were aware of the general and prevention knowledge regarding osteoporosis, that is, it might increase fracture risk, is a treatable disease, and is associated with menopause.…”

Assessment of knowledge regarding diet among hospitalized patients undergoing treatment for chronic ailments in a tertiary care hospital from Hyderabad

“…This corresponds to our findings, as age increased, there was some advancement of knowledge in relation to diet for chronic diseases. 5 Studies done by Hasan et al and Kim, Lee, Shin, Park, found out that, there was signifivant association between schoolasti education and awareness of diet in chronic diseases like osteoporosis. They found out significant association in educational status and awareness for diet in chronic health conditions.…”

Inter - Relationship of Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude, Some Socio-Economic Variables and Osteoporosis in Sample of Egyptian Women

“…In Egypt; osteopenia prevalence (53.9%) and osteoporosis prevalence (28.4%) [22]. Misunderstanding about osteoporosis and the absence of preventive activity among women are as yet not change, making primary avoidance at an early age the best mediation [11]. As a result of hormonal changes or deficiency of calcium or vitamin, bones become weak and fragile due to loss of tissue.…”