Assessment of osteoporosis knowledge, awareness, and risk factors among premenopausal and postmenopausal women from Jordan: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Rationale: Lack of information about osteoporosis knowledge and awareness among premenopausal compared to postmenopausal women in Jordan.

Main result: Women had an average-poor knowledge and awareness about osteoporosis.

Significance: This study highlights the need to improve women's knowledge about osteoporosis, its consequences, potential risk factors, preventive measures, and treatment options.

Purpose: To assess osteoporosis knowledge, awareness, and risk factor profile among premenopausal and postmenopausal women from Jordan.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that involved 490 premenopausal and 488 postmenopausal women from the general population of Jordan. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect the sociodemographic and clinical data and to complete the Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool (OKAT) questionnaire.

Results: Premenopausal and postmenopausal women had an average-poor level of knowledge and awareness regarding osteoporosis, with a total mean score of 51.3 and 50.9, respectively, out of the total OKAT score of 100. More than 50% of premenopausal women correctly answered 11 questions, while >50% of postmenopausal women correctly answered 9 questions out of 20 in OKAT, which are related to knowledge and awareness about osteoporosis. The participants' marital status (being married), higher educational level, and higher economic status were significantly associated with better knowledge and awareness about osteoporosis (p-values < 0.05). Postmenopausal women had higher osteoporosis risk profile including older age, higher body mass index, less regular exercise, and less exposure to sunlight versus premenopausal women.

Conclusion: Premenopausal and postmenopausal women from Jordan had an average-poor level of knowledge and awareness about osteoporosis. Higher educational levels and higher income are associated with better knowledge and awareness about osteoporosis. It is therefore crucial to improve the knowledge of women in Jordan about osteoporosis and its consequences, as well as the potential risk factors, preventive measures, and treatment options. Conducting periodic osteoporosis awareness and educational campaigns are necessary to spread the awareness of the disease.

Keywords: Awareness; Osteoporosis; Postmenopausal women; Premenopausal women; Risk factors.