WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Mayssam Dawood Salman* and Ban Abdul-Ridha Salman

ABSTRACT

Background: Osteoporosis is a common condition, especially among postmenopausal women, characterized by decreased bone density and increased fracture risk. Despite its significant impact on quality of life and healthcare costs, awareness and preventive measures remain inadequate in many communities. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding osteoporosis among postmenopausal women and examine the association between KAP levels and sociodemographic factors. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in eight primary healthcare centers within two districts of Baghdad (Al-Karkh Health Directorate) from March 1 to August 31, 2024. A total of 400 postmenopausal women participated. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing demographic information and osteoporosis-related KAP. Statistical analysis was performed to explore associations between KAP levels and sociodemographic variables. Results: The study found that 74% of participants had fair knowledge, 55.5% exhibited positive attitudes, and 69.8% demonstrated fair practices regarding osteoporosis. Knowledge gaps were identified in key areas, including symptoms, risk factors, and preventive measures. A fair attitude was significantly associated with lower educational levels, while no other demographic factors showed significant associations with KAP levels. Conclusion: More than two-thirds of participants had fair knowledge, over half exhibited positive attitudes, and nearly two-thirds had fair practices regarding osteoporosis. The identified gaps in knowledge and practices emphasize the need for targeted health education campaigns to enhance awareness and preventive behaviors.