Introduction: Osteoporosis is defined as a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass density (BMD) and deterioration of bone microarchitecture with a consequent increase of bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures.(1) With the incidence in constant increase probably due to the demographic modifications and the continuous increment of the average life of the population, it is equally important to understanding the disease for prevention.
Materials & methods: A total of 15 patients admitted to Orthopedic Department of Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun from the 26th of June until 9th of July diagnosed to have proximal femur fractures were questioned on their awareness of this disease. Of these, 9 were male and 6 were female patients. Series of questions were given which included their basic knowledge about the disease, diet choice, personal encounter with the disease, whether prophylactic measures were taken prior to current fracture, insight on current cause of fractures, and future countermeasures to prevent reoccurrence. The questionnaires were given on admission, prior to any discussion with patients on plan of treatment or operative interventions.
Results: Majority of patients were knew of such disease, however most never took any prophylactic measures to prevent this disease. Most of them were in denial of the cause of fracture. Knowledge on nutrition were lacking in most of the questioned patients. Measures to prevent future fractures due to this disease were also not known by most patients. Majority of patients admitted were male patients who thought osteoporotic fracture affect only women.
Conclusion: Most patients knew basics of the disease with some misconception, and never sought any prophylactic measures.
Discussions: Undeniably, with increase in life expectancy of our population, there is expected rise in osteoporotic fractures. With various methods of preventing osteoporotic fractures, there is further need for active community education of this disease to prevent this disease.
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