The Knowledge and Health Belief Model of Osteoporosis Prevention Among Females in Saudi Arabia

Background Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease in humans, representing a major public health problem affecting women more commonly. The prevalence of osteoporosis in Saudi Arabia is high among females. Thus, the knowledge and Health Belief Model (HBM) of osteoporosis, which can be used to gain an understanding of health behaviors and reasons for non-compliance to osteoprotective recommendations, is necessary. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and constructs of the HBM for osteoporosis prevention among females in Saudi Arabia. Methodology This cross-sectional study investigated the knowledge and HBM which includes perceived susceptibility and severity, perceived benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, and clues to action for preventing osteoporosis among females in Saudi Arabia. The study population consisted of females living in Saudi Arabia aged 18 years or more and not having osteoporosis. The convenient consecutive non-probability sampling technique was used to recruit 406 females aged 18 years or more using an online form. In addition to content validity and Cronbach's alpha for overall reliability, Bloom's cut-off scale was utilized to evaluate the knowledge level and HBM. Results The study revealed a moderate level of knowledge of all the constructs of HBM except that of perceived barriers which was low. All the constructs of the HBM were significantly and positively correlated with knowledge level except perceived barriers which was significantly and negatively correlated with knowledge level. Many participants received cues to act, such as not being able to afford treatment or not having anybody to take care of them while they were sick. Conclusions The Saudi female population's general knowledge of osteoporosis and HBM was moderate, while that of perceived barriers was low.