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Osteoporosis knowledge, attitudes, and practices among female Princess Nourah University students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

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A Correction to this article was published on 01 March 2021

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Abstract

Background and objective

Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased normal bone density. More than 8.9 million fractures worldwide annually are caused by osteoporosis; these fractures are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Evidence suggests that the modification of several lifestyle habits could assist in lowering the incidence of osteoporosis. However, limited studies have been conducted in Saudi Arabia to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and lifestyles associated with osteoporosis among college-age females. This study aimed to provide evidence to assist in the development of effective strategies against osteoporosis.

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted at Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University (PNU), in February 2018; a self-administered questionnaire was used. The different components of the questionnaire assessed knowledge, attitudes, and lifestyles with regard to osteoporosis. The participants were divided into groups on the basis of their age as follows: juniors, 17–20 years of age; seniors, 21–25 years of age.

Results

Of the 250 included participants, 122 (49%) and 128 (51%) were seniors and juniors respectively. Only 16% of all participants achieved a good score on the knowledge questionnaire; in particular, knowledge regarding osteoporosis risk factors was inadequate. Media was the only source of information of the included participants. Only 49% of participants believed that osteoporosis is a serious disease. Overall, only 32% and 27% of juniors and seniors are consumed sufficient dairy products, and 13% and 11% of juniors and seniors engaged in physical exercise, respectively.

Conclusion

Osteoporosis misconceptions were extremely prevalent among PNU students, as was poor knowledge and lifestyle habits regarding osteoporosis. Information regarding osteoporosis presented through the media needs to be revised and simplified. Concerned institutions should combine their efforts eventually practice. Information about osteoporosis presented through media need to be revised, simplified, and implement a national program to improve osteoporosis awareness and prevention.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of surgery, College of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia

    Zenat A. Khired

  2. Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    Gehan El-Akabawy, Raghad A. Alsebail, Ahad E. Alotaibi, Nouf S. Alblowi, Houri K. Albalawi & Saja S. Alrussayes

  3. Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebeen El-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt

    Gehan El-Akabawy

Authors
  1. Zenat A. Khired
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  2. Gehan El-Akabawy
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  3. Raghad A. Alsebail
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  4. Ahad E. Alotaibi
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  5. Nouf S. Alblowi
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  6. Houri K. Albalawi
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  7. Saja S. Alrussayes
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Correspondence to Zenat A. Khired.

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The original online version of this article was revised: An author’s name was misspelled.The correct author name reads as follows: Houri K. Albalawi

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Khired, Z.A., El-Akabawy, G., Alsebail, R.A. et al. Osteoporosis knowledge, attitudes, and practices among female Princess Nourah University students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Arch Osteoporos 16, 1 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11657-020-00865-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11657-020-00865-7

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