Osteoporosis and vitamin D consumption: knowledge and practice in different Arab countries

Aalaa Saleh, Farah Shibli, Jad El Masri, Hadi Mouslem, Mahmoud Odeh, Hassan Fawaz, Yasser F. Almealawy, Amjad Bdair, Maya Ghazi, Anas H. Alnajjar, Mohamed A. Elzayat, Pascale Salameh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Summary: Despite the high prevalence of osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency, the knowledge about osteoporosis and vitamin D-related practices were moderate in some countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Improving knowledge through awareness campaign and screening programs is essential to enhance vitamin D-related practices. Purpose: Osteoporosis is the most common skeletal disease, which usually remains silent until fractures occur. Vitamin D deficiency impairs bone mineralization and increases the risk of osteoporosis. Despite being relatively sunny, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has a high prevalence of osteoporosis and hypovitaminosis D. This study aims to assess the knowledge about osteoporosis and vitamin D-related practices and to determine the correlation between them in some countries of the MENA region. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Palestine, Iraq, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. From each country, 600 participants were enrolled. The survey included four sections: sociodemographic information, past medical history, Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool to assess the knowledge about osteoporosis, and Practice Towards Vitamin D scale to assess vitamin D-related practices. Results: Our study found that 67.14% of respondents had moderate knowledge about osteoporosis and 42.31% had moderate vitamin D-related practices. Higher knowledge level was reported in the young, females, Syrians, singles, postgraduates, and healthcare employees (p < 0.05). Better vitamin D-related practices were detected in the elderly, males, Egyptians, married, and high school or below educational level (p < 0.05). The Internet was the most listed source of information. Adequate osteoporosis knowledge was associated with better vitamin D-related practices (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Most participants, representing some countries of the MENA region, displayed moderate knowledge regarding osteoporosis and moderate vitamin D-related practices. Adequate knowledge about osteoporosis is essential to improve practices, so awareness campaigns and screening programs should be more frequently implemented.

Original languageEnglish
Article number85
JournalArchives of Osteoporosis
Volume18
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2023

Keywords

  • Knowledge
  • Multinational
  • Osteoporosis
  • Practice
  • Vitamin D

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Osteoporosis and vitamin D consumption: knowledge and practice in different Arab countries'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this