ABSTRACT
Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge on symptoms, risk factors, preventive measures and treatment options for regarding osteoporosis in healthy women of child bearing age [15-49 years] accompanying patients, in Fauji Foundation Hospital [FFH] Rawalpindi
Study Design: Cross sectional survey
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in FFH Rawalpindi from February 2015 to October 2015
Material and Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted using a validated questionnaire i.e. OKAT [Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool] from 385 women attending OPDs of Fauji Foundation Hospital Rawalpindi, for a period of Feb-August 2015. The data was analyzed using SPSS [version 21]
Mean knowledge scores were calculated and compared with socio demographic variables
Results: Total knowledge score mean was 8 [total max score achieved 14]. Mean scores were found for knowledge regarding symptoms 0.85 [total score 2], and treatment options were 0.82 [total score 2] for the disease. Comparison of knowledge scores between respondents of different age, residential status [p<0.009], and educational status [p<0.056] was found statistically significant
Conclusion: Women lacked knowledge regarding osteoporosis, especially older uneducated ones, belonging to lower socioeconomic class residing in villages. Community based educational interventional programs targeting this population can help reduce the knowledge gap and contribute towards disease prevention