Family Physicians and Osteoporosis in Babylon Governorate

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone illness that occurs in males and females and is widely disturbed around the world. Research show that females are more affected after menopause than males due to decreased estrogen secretion. The aim of this research is to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of family physicians concerning osteoporosis. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study started from May to July 2020 in Babylon region. Almost all family physicians work in rural and urban areas in Babylon governorate have been included in the current study. A self-administered questionnaire was collected after taking verbal consent from all participants, with no exclusion criteria. The first part focused on demographic and specialized practice information data, while the second part contained a Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) survey. Results: Out of 97 family physicians, 59% scored moderate, 34% poor, and 6% good in awareness response. Regarding attitude response, 76% were good, 22% moderate, and 2% poor. In practice response, 53% were moderate, 33% good, and 13% poor. There was a significant association between place of work and attitude, source of experience and practice, practice and osteoporosistraining course, practice and use of guidelines, and the years of work and practice. Conclusions: Most family physicians in Babylon province had moderate awareness, good attitude, and moderate practice towards osteoporosis. Family doctors working in hospitals had poor attitude towards osteoporosis. Therefore, all family doctors can benefit from training courses, especially family doctors who work in a hospital. Further, the current osteoporosis guidelines must be revised for any mistakes.