Perception of Osteoporosis among General Population in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia

Background: Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease that if not detected and treated early, it can lead to serious complications. It is a silent disease because the patient is usually asymptomatic; therefore, perception of this disease is very important.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate osteoporosis perception among general population in eastern province, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online self-administered questionnaire. A modified questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire assessed the understanding of symptoms, risk factors, preventive factors, and treatment availability of osteoporosis. The study included all people in eastern province, Saudi Arabia. The sample size was 391. It was conducted from September 2018 to May 2021.

Results: 61.6% of 391 participants questioned did not have a good perception of osteoporosis. There was a variability in the correct response rate, which indicates the presence of gaps in some aspects of osteoporosis perception more than the others do. The cut-off score was 50%.

Conclusion: According to the findings of the study, people in eastern province, Saudi Arabia have poor perception of osteoporosis. Therefore, efforts should be made to establish educational campaigns and use the new technologies in order to raise osteoporosis perception.