Assessment of Knowledge About Osteoporosis among Postmenopausal Women of Lahore

Osteoporosis among Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by decreased bone mineral density and disruption of bone microarchitecture leading to bone fragility and fracture. Bones that are porous and have low density are prone to fractures. Objective: To assess the knowledge about osteoporosis among postmenopausal women of Lahore. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 119 postmenopausal women. The sample size was calculated by using the World Health Organization sample size calculator with 0.50 prevalence, 95% confidence interval (1-α) and 0.09 precision (d). The study settings were Ghurki trust teaching hospital, Lady Willingdon Hospital and Services Institute of Medical Sciences. The sampling strategy utilized was non-probability convenience sampling. The duration of the study was six months from August 2019 to January 2020. Those women were included who aged between 48-71 years and more than 2 years since menopause. Women with a history of drug use (such as corticosteroids), history of metabolic bone diseases and bone metastasis were excluded from the study. The osteoporosis knowledge assessment tool was used to assess knowledge about osteoporosis. Using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21, the study variables were presented in the form of descriptive statistics such as tables and histograms. Results: According to the osteoporosis knowledge assessment tool, 39(32.8%) participants had good knowledge, 67(56.3%) had average knowledge while some of the participants 13(10.9%) had poor general knowledge about osteoporosis. Conclusion: It has been concluded that the majority of participants had good knowledge regarding general information, while the knowledge regarding the risk factors complication and treatment perception was lacking in many women.