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

Abstract

Despite 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.

Purpose: Osteoporosis 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.

Methods: A 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.

Results: Our 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).

Conclusion: Most 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.

Keywords: Knowledge; Multinational; Osteoporosis; Practice; Vitamin D.