Abstract

Osteoporosis remains a major global public health concern. A good knowledge and awareness of a disease are pre-requisites for success of preventive measures, modifications in life styles and treatment adherence.Previously, various studies to evaluate knowledge of osteoporosis in different populations have been conducted. Most of these studies assumed that as knowledge regarding a disease increases, attitudes and practices of preventive measures towards that disease change positively. Aim of the article is to review all published articles based on knowledge assessment in different community population and to correlate level of knowledge with significant demographic factors as well as practice of preventive behaviors. The most significant factor that showed direct relation with knowledge of osteoporosis was level of education while most of the studies revealed a weak association between knowledge of osteoporosis and practice of preventive behaviors. In order to evaluate knowledge and practices regarding osteoporosis, a single validated questionnaire should be developed by well-established organizations working for osteoporosis. Secondly factors, other than knowledge, that could affect attitude and practices should be figured out. Focusing on those factors, appropriate multidisciplinary programs to enhance knowledge of osteoporosis in different community populations should be developed.