Osteoporosis Patients’ Knowledge Concerning Prevention Measures Related to Fractures, Baghdad, Iraq

Background: The Osteoporosis-related fractures (ORF) are a result of an imbalance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Osteoporosis’s consequences can lead to fractures, disability, and poor life quality. It has been reported to increase and enhance knowledge and awareness about health education in terms of protection from ORF. Objectives: The study aimed to assess Osteoporosis patients’ knowledge towards prevention measures related to fractures. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study in a purposive sample of 60 patients attending the outpatient clinic of rheumatology in Baghdad teaching hospitals, Iraq, carried out from February 2024 to June 2024. The data on the questionnaire prepared with the support of literature were collected using a patients information form with 37 questions to investigate patients’ knowledge towards prevention measures related to osteoporosis fractures. Descriptive statistics were used to illustrate the frequencies of the study variables. A bivariate analysis was carried out using ANOVA and t-tests. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. The statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS, version 25. Results: It was revealed the mean age was (54.2) years old with an SD of (11.7) years, the females accounted for (83.3%), the obese represented (48.3%), and the primary educational attainment was (40%). A (76.7%) of them haven’t had a previous fracture, (93.3%) have back pain, and (40%) are complaining from Rheumatoid Arthritis. Conclusion: It’s concluded the importance of disseminating awareness about Osteoporosis and fracture prevention and performing continuous workshops to enhance knowledge and practices. Also, improving early detection and management of Osteoporosis, and implementing further interventional studies are essential.