Journal Article

Osteoporosis and vitamin D consumption: knowledge and practice in different Arab countries

Saleh, Aalaa, Ghazi, Maya, Salameh, Pascale, Odeh, Mahmoud, Alnajjar, Anas H, Fawaz, Hassan, Bdair, Amjad, El Masri, Jad, Mouslem, Hadi, Almealawy, Yasser F, Elzayat, Mohamed A, Shibli, Farah

2023

Overview

SummaryDespite the high prevalence of osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency, the knowledge about osteoporosis and vitamin D-related practices were moderate in some countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Improving knowledge through awareness campaign and screening programs is essential to enhance vitamin D-related practices.PurposeOsteoporosis is the most common skeletal disease, which usually remains silent until fractures occur. Vitamin D deficiency impairs bone mineralization and increases the risk of osteoporosis. Despite being relatively sunny, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has a high prevalence of osteoporosis and hypovitaminosis D. This study aims to assess the knowledge about osteoporosis and vitamin D-related practices and to determine the correlation between them in some countries of the MENA region.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed in Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Palestine, Iraq, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. From each country, 600 participants were enrolled. The survey included four sections: sociodemographic information, past medical history, Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool to assess the knowledge about osteoporosis, and Practice Towards Vitamin D scale to assess vitamin D-related practices.ResultsOur study found that 67.14% of respondents had moderate knowledge about osteoporosis and 42.31% had moderate vitamin D-related practices. Higher knowledge level was reported in the young, females, Syrians, singles, postgraduates, and healthcare employees (p < 0.05). Better vitamin D-related practices were detected in the elderly, males, Egyptians, married, and high school or below educational level (p < 0.05). The Internet was the most listed source of information. Adequate osteoporosis knowledge was associated with better vitamin D-related practices (p < 0.001).ConclusionMost participants, representing some countries of the MENA region, displayed moderate knowledge regarding osteoporosis and moderate vitamin D-related practices. Adequate knowledge about osteoporosis is essential to improve practices, so awareness campaigns and screening programs should be more frequently implemented.

• Publisher: Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Disease / Fractures / Knowledge / Medical research / Osteoporosis / Questionnaires / Social networks / Sociodemographics / Validity / Vitamin D / Vitamin deficiency