Osteoporosis knowledge and health beliefs in ındividuals with myasthenia gravis: a cross-sectional controlled study

The aim of this study was to investigate knowledge and health beliefs regarding osteoporosis in individuals with myasthenia gravis.

This cross-sectional study included 40 individuals with myasthenia gravis and 40 healthy controls, who were selected among individuals accompanying patients at outpatient clinics and hospital support staff. Participants completed the Revised Osteoporosis Knowledge Test and the Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale. For individuals with myasthenia gravis, additional data were collected, including disease duration, current use of prednisolone, and clinical classification.

In the myasthenia gravis group, the mean total Revised Osteoporosis Knowledge Test score was 16.6±2.3, and the mean total Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale score was 146.4±6.1, with no statistically significant difference compared with the controls (p>0.05). The myasthenia gravis group had significantly higher "barriers to exercise" scores compared with controls (p<0.001). Only 37.5% of individuals with myasthenia gravis perceived themselves to be at risk of developing osteoporosis. In the patient group, educational level showed a strong positive correlation with both total Revised Osteoporosis Knowledge Test (r=0.756, p<0.001) and total Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale (r=0.313, p=0.005) scores, whereas disease duration showed no significant correlation. There was also no significant difference in total Revised Osteoporosis Knowledge Test and Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale scores between patients currently receiving prednisolone and those not receiving it (p>0.05).

This study indicates that individuals with myasthenia gravis have inadequate knowledge and low perception of osteoporosis risk. To enhance early identification and prevent osteoporosis-related complications, implementing targeted educational and preventive strategies is essential in this vulnerable population.