Assessment of osteoporosis knowledge in perimenopausal females attending outpatient department at tertiary care hospital at central Gujarat

 

 

Abstract              Background: Osteoporosis is a major health issue affecting the perimenopausal women, however not addressed effectively by them due to inadequate knowledge about the condition. Aims and Objectives: Evaluation of knowledge of osteoporosis in female of perimenopausal and menopausal age attending tertiary health care centre. Material and Methods: This is a questionnaire-based survey study. A validated (OKAT) questionnaire was prepared and answered by 300 women (above 40 years.) after consent. Results were tabulated, analysed and presented as frequency and percentage. Association of knowledge score with variables of age, education was analysed. Results: Out of total 300 subjects, 158(52.7%) subjects had poor OKAT knowledge score, whereas 121(40.3%) subjects had average knowledge and 21(7 %) had good knowledge of all aspects of Osteoporosis. There was statistically significant association of good knowledge with age, education level and perimenopausal status, however, strength of association was poor with a subject’s marital status. Conclusion: Inspite of Osteoporosis being common condition, majority of females are still unaware of its inevitable association with age and menopause, modifiable, non-modifiable risk factors. Majority are unaware about the disease status until they develop fractures secondary to Osteoporosis. Beyond adequate amount of calcium, importance of adequate nutrition, sunlight and exercise needs to be stressed upon.  Educative programmes covering preventive and treatment of osteoporosis should be undertaken on routine basis along with other noncommunicable diseases.

Key Word: osteoporosis