Osteoporosis Knowledge, Education, and Lifestyle Practices in UAE Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction Osteoporosis is an increasing public health concern in the Gulf region, where vitamin D deficiency and low calcium intake are prevalent. This study aimed to assess osteoporosis knowledge among women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and examine its association with educational level and osteoporosis-related lifestyle practices. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and April 2023 among 386 women aged 19-65 years using convenience sampling across community settings in the UAE. Data were collected using a questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics and lifestyle habits, including calcium and vitamin D intake, sun exposure, and physical activity. Osteoporosis knowledge was evaluated using a culturally adapted 17-item Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool (OKAT). Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed. Results The mean OKAT score was 7.39 ± 3.05, with most participants demonstrating average ‎knowledge. Age was significantly associated with knowledge levels (χ²(4) = 20.201, p < 0.001, ‎Cramér's V = 0.162), with older participants more likely to have higher knowledge, while no ‎statistically significant association was observed between education level and knowledge (χ²(4) ‎‎= 3.854, p = 0.426, Cramér's V = 0.071) or ethnicity and knowledge (χ²(4) = 5.776, p = 0.217, ‎Cramér's V = 0.086). Knowledge was significantly associated with both vitamin D ‎supplementation (p = 0.002, Cramér's V = 0.148) and calcium supplement intake (p = 0.006, ‎Cramér's V = 0.137). Preventive lifestyle behaviors were generally suboptimal‎. Conclusion In this sample, osteoporosis knowledge was significantly associated with vitamin D and calcium supplementation but not with broader preventive behaviors such as dietary calcium intake or sun exposure. Due to the cross-sectional design and convenience sampling, findings should be interpreted as associative and not causal. Further research is needed to better understand factors influencing osteoporosis prevention behaviors.