RESUMEN
People with endocrine disorders are at an increased risk of osteoporosis, yet their knowledge of osteoporosis prevention is rarely studied. This study aimed to assess the knowledge related to osteoporosis prevention and its associated factors among people with endocrine disorders in China. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a Chinese hospital's Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology. A total of 562 people with endocrine disorders completed the Chinese version of the Osteoporosis Prevention and Awareness Tool to assess their knowledge of osteoporosis prevention. Results showed that participants had a mean knowledge of 59.36 ± 23.90 out of 100, with only 52.1% scoring above 60 points. Being female, having higher education, with comorbidities, with a recent osteoporosis diagnosis, and having received health education related to osteoporosis prevention were associated with higher knowledge of osteoporosis prevention. Our study indicates that more efforts are needed to improve the knowledge related to osteoporosis prevention among people with endocrine disorders. This may be realized by strengthening and expanding diverse education, focusing on males and those with lower education and without comorbidities.
RESUMEN
This study examines factors associated with osteoporosis awareness and knowledge using Osteoporosis Prevention and Awareness Tool (OPAAT). Of 410 patients, majority of patients had a OPAAT score < 24 (n = 362, 88.3%). Lower education level (odds ratio (OR) (primary education): 3.63; OR (no formal education): 111.5; p < 0.001) and diabetic patients (OR: 1.67; p = 0.003) were associated with lower OPAAT scores. INTRODUCTION: Lack of osteoporosis awareness forms a critical barrier to osteoporosis care and has been linked with increased institutionalization, healthcare expenditures, and decreased quality of life. This study aims to identify factors associated with osteoporosis awareness and knowledge among female Singaporeans. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult female patients (aged 40 to 90 years old) who were admitted into Outram Community Hospital from April to October 2020. Osteoporosis awareness and knowledge were assessed using interviewer-administered Osteoporosis Prevention and Awareness Tool (OPAAT). High knowledge was defined as a OPAAT score ≥ 24. Multivariate logistical regression analyses were used to identify predictors of low OPAAT scores. RESULTS: Of 410 patients recruited, their mean age was 71.9 ± 9.5 years old and majority of patients had a OPAAT score < 24 (n = 362, 88.3%). Patients with lower OPAAT scores tended to be older (72.5 ± 9.2 vs 67.5 ± 10.1, p < 0.001), attained lower education level (p < 0.001), and were more likely to live in public housing (92.5% vs 81.5%, p = 0.009). The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was higher in patients with low OPAAT scores (39.2% vs 18.8%, p = 0.006). After adjustment for covariates, lower education level (odds ratio (OR) (primary education): 3.63; OR (no formal education): 11.5; p < 0.05) and patients with diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.67; p = 0.03) were associated with lower OPAAT knowledge scores. CONCLUSION: Elderly female patients in community hospital have inadequate osteoporosis awareness despite being at risk of fractures. There is a need to address the knowledge gap in osteoporosis, especially among diabetic patients or patients with lower education.