Evaluation of knowledge about osteoporosis risk factors among adults above 40 years of age in Hafar Al-Batin Region, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a growing public health issue that is prevalent among the Saudi Arabian population. Several risk factors for the disease have been identified and could be modified using preventive strategies, including increasing awareness about the disease in susceptible individuals. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using interview-based questionnaires to evaluate knowledge of osteoporosis risk factors in a sample of 513 Saudi participants attending primary health care centers (PHCCs) in the Hafar Al-Batin region, Saudi Arabia. The analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21. FINDINGS: A total of 513 participants were surveyed (78.8% female and 21.2% male). The study population had an overall good knowledge about osteoporosis risk factors. The analysis detected significant associations between the level of knowledge and the following parameters: sex, marital status, employment status, and education level (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the study cohort had good knowledge of osteoporosis risk factors. The male participants had significantly more knowledge compared to females. Married people had better knowledge scores compared to unmarried ones. Employed and educated participants had significantly better knowledge compared to unemployed and those with an education level less than college. The involvement of primary health care utilizers by physicians and health authorities is highly recommended to increase awareness of osteoporosis.