Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) Regarding Osteoporosis among General Population in Saudi Arabia

Background: Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and micro- architectural deterioration of bone tissue. The prevalence of osteoporosis among Saudi population was estimated at 34% in a review of the published articles up to 2011. The etiology for this high prevalence among Saudis is multi- factorial and possible causes include: lifestyle malpractices, vitamin-D deficiency and genetic factors.

Aim: To evaluate knowledge and perceptions of causes and prevention of osteoporosis among general population of Saudi Arabia.

Methodology: A national cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted on 579 participants of general population in Saudi Arabia aged 15 to 65 years old in March 2015 and the questionnaire was validated.

Results: Out of 579 participants, 559 have heard about osteoporosis, the main resources were (43.44%) family members and friends. More male (58%) were able to identify that osteoporosis is a silent disease while only (44.4%) female did. the only risk factor that was identified by more than three quarter of participants in both (91.7%) male and (94.8%) female groups was not eating calcium-rich foods. Previous hip fracture was the lowest recognized risk factor (56.66%) of participants. participants with master degree had the best knowledge compared to participants other degrees. Participants with ages between 51-65 years had the higher percent of correct answers while those aged between 15-35 years had the lowest. Approximately 68.1% of respondents were concerned of having osteoporosis in a point of their lives. Almost two thirds (65.6%) thought that they can influence the probability of having osteoporosis. About 8.82% had measured their bone mineral density BMD, while 43.40% of them knew that they have more than one risk factor.

Conclusion: This study reveals that osteoporosis knowledge is low among the Saudi population and consequently the attitude and practices towards this disease are also below normal. A good knowledge and awareness of a disease are pre-requisites for success of preventive measures, modifications in life styles and treatment adherence.