RESUMO
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Little is known about the prevalence of osteoporotic fracture, its sociodemographic correlates, and its comorbid conditions among the adult population of the Kingdome of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Hence, the present work aimed to assess the prevalence of adults at high risk of osteoporotic fracture in the presence of its known risk factors. As well, to determine the most commonly associated comorbidities of osteoporosis in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed among 518 Saudi adults aged over 45 years in Al-Ahsaa city, KSA. The Arabic version of the fracture risk assessment FRAX without bone mineral density (BMD) was presented in an online questionnaire. RESULTS: The 10-year risk for major osteoporotic fracture was found in 50.81% of the participants; 23.48% of them were at high risk and 25.71% at moderate risk. Also, 26.27% of the respondents were at high risk of hip fracture. Significant correlates of osteoporotic fractures included female gender (P = 0.003), old age (P = 0.000), age at menopause (P = 0.000), low body mass index (BMI; P = 0.000), previous fracture (P = 0.000), alcohol consumption (P = 0.000), positive family history (P = 0.000), corticosteroids (P = 0.000), rheumatoid arthritis (P = 0.000), thyroid hyperactivity (P = 0.000), gonadal insufficiency (P = 0.000), chronic liver disease (P = 0.000), nutritional, or gestational disease (P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: More than a third of the surveyed population had osteoporosis, which was associated with many sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Therefore, early interventions for osteoporosis and the prevention of other comorbidities may improve the outcome of osteoporosis.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The literature shows that data regarding the Saudi public's knowledge about anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is still limited. AIMS: This study aimed to determine the knowledge toward ACL injury in the general population of Saudi Arabia, as well as to investigate the main sources of information about ACL among the public. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among a sample of 408 participants from all regions of Saudi Arabia. All participants completed an anonymous self-administered questionnaire, which included questions about their sociodemographic details and a structured tool to measure their knowledge about ACL injuries. RESULTS: The present study showed that among 408 participants, 233 (57.1%) had adequate knowledge about ACL injuries, and 253 (62.0%) appreciated the seriousness of ACL injuries. The level of knowledge about ACL injuries was significantly associated with higher educational level (P = 0.000), but not with sex (P = 0.424) and region of residence (P = 0.404). Most of the participants agreed that ACL injury is a multi-factorial condition that results from a combination of factors, including sports, lack of warm-up before exercise, car accidents, old age, and lifting heavy objects. Internet, TV, and books were the most common sources of information about ACL injuries. CONCLUSIONS: While over half of the participants were aware of ACL injury, its seriousness, and its common risk factors, there are still knowledge gaps regarding ACL injury symptoms. Therefore, we recommend increasing public awareness about ACL injury, specifically through health education websites and TV programs.
