Understanding Osteoporosis Awareness among Non-teaching Female Staff in a Healthcare Institution: A Cross-sectional Study

Objectives: Osteoporosis is a progressive and asymptomatic disease marked by reduced bone mineral density, which increases the risk of fractures and imposes significant health and economic burdens. Despite its growing prevalence among Indian women, awareness about the condition remains low. Non-teaching female staff working in healthcare settings hold a unique position, potentially serving as informal health educators within their communities. However, their awareness levels have not been extensively studied. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of osteoporosis among non-teaching female staff at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, to identify knowledge gaps, and to provide baseline data for planning educational interventions. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 369 non-teaching female staff members aged 18 years and above. The Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool was used for data collection. Participants were chosen through simple random sampling, and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Awareness levels were categorized as “very poor,” “poor,” “average,” or “good” based on the final scores obtained. Results: Most participants (62.3%) were found to have “average” awareness (scores between 41 and 80). However, 21.7% of respondents showed “poor” awareness, and 2.4% fell into the “very poor” category. Subgroup analysis revealed that participants with undergraduate or postgraduate education scored significantly higher than those with lower secondary education or no formal education. Several misconceptions were observed, especially regarding risk factors, physical activity, and dietary calcium sources, highlighting the need for topic-specific educational interventions. Conclusion: The study brings to light critical knowledge gaps in osteoporosis awareness among non-teaching female staff, especially those with lower education levels. There is an urgent need to implement customized educational programs to address these gaps and encourage preventive practices. As non-teaching staff members often interact with the broader community, enhancing their awareness could have a positive ripple effect on public health outcomes related to osteoporosis.