Knowledge of osteoporosis among men in the primary care setting

Osteoporosis has been often viewed as a disease affecting women; however, men are at risk for osteoporosis, and the mortality after hip fracture in men older than 75 years of age is significantly higher than in women. We aimed to assess knowledge of osteoporosis and its risk factors in men.

A questionnaire assessing knowledge of osteoporosis was presented to 136 male patients randomly in Internal Medicine and Family Practice clinics at Saint Joseph Hospital.

A total of 136 men agreed to fill in the questionnaire. Only 130 patients who completed the entire questionnaire were included in the data analysis. Twenty-three percent of men surveyed had never heard about osteoporosis. Thirty-nine percent were unaware that osteoporosis is directly responsible for disabling hip fractures. Sixty-seven percent did not know that a potential outcome of hip fracture is death. Only 38% recognized that smoking is a risk factor, 20% knew that excessive caffeine intake can put them at risk, and 35% realized that excessive alcohol intake is a risk factor. Only 21% could correctly identify the calcium-rich foods among the choices. There was a positive relationship (P < 0.05) between receiving an official discussion with a physician regarding osteoporosis and the actual score on the "knowledge of osteoporosis" questionnaire.

A significant percentage of men are unaware of the complications and risk factors for osteoporosis. Receiving educational information about osteoporosis from a physician should be considered at an early stage, especially for those patients with modifiable risk factors.