Knowledge and behavior of postmenopausal women regarding osteoporosis and its screening in Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia

Background: The risk of osteoporosis and functional deterioration is challenging for Saudi women with increased disease cases. However, recent analysis has shown that Saudi women were unaware of the risk of osteoporosis, so their knowledge and attitudes toward osteoporosis risk and prevention are necessary. We aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of Saudi women regarding osteoporosis and its screening in Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: About 464 participants (post-menopausal women) in Al-Baha region were recruited for the study to participate in the online survey. A modified osteoporosis knowledge assessment tool questionnaire was distributed online to collect data on participants’ responses regarding knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of osteoporosis. Then data was transferred to apply descriptive statistics to measure the frequency and percentage of KAP factors. Results: Most participants had good knowledge of osteoporosis and were 40-50 years old. White women are at higher risk of osteoporosis, but responses were quite uncertain. In addition, the frequency of knowledge of risk and symptoms was 89.7% and 76.3%, respectively. The percentage of knowledge and attitudes was higher for some aspects of risk and symptoms. The perceived knowledge about osteoporosis screening was positive, but actual knowledge remained uncertain. In addition, although knowledge and attitude gave significant results for some aspects of KAP factors, most participants’ overall knowledge was poor. Conclusion: The study concluded that the overall knowledge and attitudes of Saudi post-menopausal women in Al-Baha region regarding osteoporosis was poor, and therefore standard interventions must be recommended to enhance knowledge and practices. Keywords: postmenopausal, osteoporosis, knowledge, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia