AB0922-PARE OSTEOPOROSIS AWARENESS LEVEL AS A METHOD FOR IMPROVING PRIMARY PREVENTION
Authors: S. Lezhenina, A. Lammert, N. Shuvalova, E. Guryanova
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2021)

Background: Having complete information about osteoporosis is a prerequisite for preventive behavior, which determines the conscious adherence to the principles of a healthy lifestyle. Objectives: To assess the level of awareness of osteoporosis among women. Methods: A survey was conducted of 750 female respondents aged 15 to 55 years in the Chuvash Republic. The survey was conducted from January to December 2019. The questionnaire consisted of 30 questions. One point was awarded for each correct answer. The minimum score for passing the test was 75% correct answers. The questions addressed both general knowledge about osteoporosis and the relationship between disease onset and diet, physical activity, vitamin D, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and being overweight. The respondents were divided into two groups: group A (n = 375) - females from 15 to 35 years old and group B (n = 375) - females from 36 to 55 years old. Survey data was processed in Statistical Analysis Software 15.0. Statistical significance was calculated using Analysis of Variation. Results: We obtained the following results for the Main Aspects of the survey: 1. Osteoporosis is a rare condition that occurs primarily in women (Awareness level: Group A - 47%; Group B - 67,5%; Analysis of Variation &gt; 0,05). 2. Postmenopausal women are more at risk of osteoporosis (Awareness level: Group A - 73,5%; Group B - 70,4%; Analysis of Variation &gt; 0,05). 3. Prevention of osteoporosis is impossible (Awareness level: Group A - 78,8%; Group B - 89%; Analysis of Variation &gt; 0,05). 4. Vitamin D is synthesized by direct exposure to UV radiation on the skin (Awareness level: Group A - 53,1 %; Group B - 69,1%; Analysis of Variation &gt; 0,05). 5. Effective prevention of osteoporosis are: I. Balanced diet; II. Absence of bad habits; III. Occupation with health-improving physical culture. IV. Reduction of excess body weight (Awareness level: Group A - 69,2%; Group B - 47,1%; Analysis of Variation &gt; 0,05). 6. Increased consumption of table salt, sugar and excessive consumption of protein foods, vegetarianism negatively affects the quality of bone tissue (Awareness level: Group A - 56,7%; Group B - 70,4%; Analysis of Variation &gt; 0,05). Conclusion: The conducted survey shows that the level of awareness of osteoporosis and its prevention is low among women in different age groups. In some cases, it is even a cause for concern. We believe that respondents’ statements that osteoporosis cannot be effectively prevented are the most important findings of our study. Starting from adolescence, women should be well aware of the main risk factors for the development of osteoporosis, the mechanisms of its development and its consequences. This knowledge will help substantiate why it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle, which will help to prevent the development of this disease in the future. The concept of prevention of osteoporosis should include the following recommendations for the general population: to maintain a physically active lifestyle and to spend sufficient time under the influence of sunlight, avoid smoking and drinking large amounts of alcohol, ensure that dietary calcium intake is in line with the recommended level in the area, and maintain an appropriate body weight. Disclosure of Interests: None declared