Knowledge, attitude and practice about osteoporosis among young adults in RIYADH 2019

OBJECTIVES: To study the knowledge, attitude and practice level among young Saudi adults regarding osteoporosis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done in Riyadh among Saudis, within the age group (17–30 years old), with sample size (663). A validated questionnaire was distributed in paper and electronic forms. The questionnaire had five parts: first part was the demographic variables, second part the source of the participant knowledge about the disease, third part assessed the knowledge about osteoporosis, fourth part assessed osteoporosis attitudes, and the fifth part assessed the practice for prevention of osteoporosis. The collected data was analysed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program. RESULTS: It was found that there was low level of knowledge among overall participants; there was no significant difference between male and female in level of knowledge, while the age group 21–25 had the highest knowledge level among all other age groups. Males have better level of practice of a healthy lifestyle that decreases the risk of osteoporosis than females. In total, 52.5% of males have a sufficient level of practice, while only 34.9% of females have acceptable level of practice CONCLUSION: The study found no significant difference between males and females regarding the knowledge of osteoporosis. Males were found to have better level of practice of a healthy lifestyle that decreases the level of osteoporosis then females. The study recommends similar studies and undertake more efforts in promotion of preventive programs for young adults.