Awareness of osteoporosis in a polytechnic in Enugu, South East Nigeria

This study aims to determine the awareness of osteoporosis and factors that determine awareness of osteoporosis. Results showed that osteoporosis awareness was associated with age (p = 0.006) and occupation (p < 0.001) but not gender, marital status, and level of education. There is therefore need for educational interventions to improve awareness of osteoporosis.

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a bone disease in which the bone becomes porous, brittle, and more susceptible to fracture. It is the most common metabolic bone disease worldwide. Increased prevalence of disease is attributed to low awareness of disease among general population referred to as a 'silent disease.' There is paucity of evidence of osteoporosis awareness in Africa while level of knowledge in Nigeria is also minimal.

Methods: The study was carried out in a Polytechnic in Enugu, South East Nigeria, as one of the phases of ongoing awareness exercise on osteoporosis. Study design was descriptive cross-sectional study using stratified random sampling method for selection. The study made use of a structured, self-administered questionnaire using English language. Statistical analyses were carried out with SPSS version 22 software, using Chi square and Fischer exact tests of significance and alpha level set at p = 0.05.

Results: Out of a total number of 500 respondents, 187 (37.4%) had heard about osteoporosis, however, only 34 (18.2%) of those who have heard about osteoporosis knew the correct meaning of osteoporosis. Overall, only 34 (6.8%) out of 500 knew the correct meaning of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis awareness was highest among age group ≥51 years (33.3%) and least in age group ≤20 years (6.3%) (p = 0.006). Awareness was also highest among civil servants (17.9%) and least among unemployed respondents (0.0%) (p < 0.001). There was no gender preponderance in awareness level while marital status and level of education were not significantly associated with level of awareness.

Conclusion: While there was low knowledge of osteoporosis in the study area, awareness of osteoporosis was associated with age and occupation but not gender, marital status, or level of education. There is need for educational interventions to improve awareness of osteoporosis.