Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Osteoporosis among General Practitioners Working in Al Majmaah Province, KSA

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic disorder affecting bone which develops because of normal ageing, excessive bone loss during adulthood and impaired development of peak bone mass. Awareness among physicians is vital for the early detection and timely treatment and hence fractures prevention. The present study was carried out to study the knowledge, attitude and practice towards osteoporosis among general practitioners working in Al Majmaah, KSA. Methodology: This crosssectional research was conducted among all the qualified family physicians, general practitioners and resident doctors in Majmaah province, KSA. Data collection was done based on a standardized KAP questionnaire. Results: All the data were entered and analysed according to the intentions of the present work. Good level of knowledge concerning the diagnosis was observed among the study subjects and a high proportion of respondents believed in the preventive strategies of the disease. Responses were obtained from total of43 practitioners who included 23.3% female, and 76.7% male in and around Majmaah province. Majority (72.1%) of the respondent’s attitude was that osteoporosis has major effect on the health of the community. In relation to practice aspects, prescription of 76.7% responders includes bisphosphonates as the most commonly used drug for treatment of osteoporosis. Conclusion: A considerable level of knowledge and positive attitude towards osteoporosis was found; however, practices for the prevention of osteoporosis still need improvement. There is a need to extend the medical knowledge of general practitioners in Al Majmaah Province, KSA, regarding the contemporary management of osteoporosis and its risk factors. Professional training programs are required to enhance the practitioner’s knowledge and attitude to improve their practices.