Assessing osteoporosis knowledge levels among students and the public using the OKAT questionnaire - A prospective study

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a prevalent condition among the elderly in both developed and developing nations, with osteoporotic fractures leading to decreased daily activity, diminished quality of life, and increased mortality rates. Therefore, our aim is to assess the level of knowledge about osteoporosis among students and the public using the OKAT questionnaire and provide proper evidence to educate healthcare providers about osteoporosis knowledge. This prospective study was conducted in two paramedical private colleges located in Dharmapuri district from December 2019- October 2020. Our results reveal a significant lack of knowledge regarding osteoporosis, as evidenced by low knowledge scores among participants. This deficiency in understanding is associated with factors such as alcohol consumption, increased salt intake, smoking, hormonal therapy, menopausal status, and physical exercise. Our study underscores the necessity for targeted efforts to enhance awareness and provide comprehensive education on osteoporosis within the surveyed population. Moving forward, there is an opportunity to address this knowledge gap through tailored educational initiatives at various centers. In the future, the level of knowledge above findings can be improved by conducting educational programs at the studied center.