Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF OSTEOPOROSIS KNOWLEDGE AMONG SAUDI FEMALES IN RIYADH, KSA

*Basim Khalid AlHarthi, Abdulmalik Alkhodair, Amro Youssef Elias, Saud Nasser Aleisa, Faisal Abdullah ALMoumen, Mohammed Yahya Hassan Al-yami

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is considered as a major worldwide health problem. Little is known about its definition, risk factors and prevalence in KSA. Objectives: Evaluating the general knowledge of Saudi females in Riyadh about osteoporosis. Methods: This was an analytical and descriptive study. A reliable osteoporosis knowledge assessment tool (OKAT) questionnaire was published online for considering the levels of osteoporosis awareness from February 2017 to July 2017. Results: The majority of females were educated, married, had college degree and living in medium economic state. Only ten patients reported having osteoporosis. The majority of participants (%) had high OKAT scoreindicating high prevalence of good knowledge among included subjects. The young age, being highly educated and good economic status were significantly associated with good awareness. Conclusion: A good level of knowledge about osteoporosis was found among included subjects. Although having good awareness about osteoporosis in Riyadh, the majority of subjects obtained their knowledge from relatives and physicians. Thus, authorities should create educational programs at all health care facilities to assess a preventive programs for osteoporosis.

Keywords: Osteoporosis, Awareness, Saudi Females, Riyadh.