Abstract

Background: there is a high prevalence of osteoporosis in KSA indicating a low preventive measures and a lack of knowledge about radiological investigations importance and hazards. Objectives: assessing the general knowledge of osteoporosis risks, screening, treatment and physical activity as well as evaluating the awareness about radiological investigations timing and effects. Methods: a community survey study based on a reliable questionnaire that was distributed among general community in Abha city from March 2017 to June 2017. Results: most of subjects were young, females and have college degree. Only 17% of subjects reported having osteoporosis. Most of participants (52%) have good overall general knowledge but only 42% had good knowledge regarding the calcium recommendations and 21% have good knowledge about importance of physical activity in prevention of osteoporosis. 60% of subject shave good knowledge about the risk factors of osteoporosis and 75% had good knowledge regarding the symptoms and radiological investigations. Conclusion: The overall knowledge in Abha City was good in 52% of subjects however, the levels of knowledge about preventive measures were poor while the majority had adequate knowledge regarding the risk factors, symptoms and radiological investigations. Although, a moderate prevalence of good knowledge, educational programs must be adopted by health authorities to motivate healthy behaviors for prevention of osteoporosis in our community.

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