Abstract
Goals: Osteoporosis is a common, silent disease that can be diagnosed and prevented before fractures occur. The aim of this study is to get closer to the beliefs and knowledge of Moroccan women over 18 years old living in Casablanca, to convey the impact of osteoporosis and to target the information to be developed during future awareness campaigns. Methods and patients: The survey was conducted by the Rheumatology department at the Cheikh Khalifa International University Hospital in Casablanca among a population aged 18 and over to determine their levels of knowledge and beliefs about osteoporosis. A questionnaire was carried out with the aim of distinguishing gaps in knowledge but also popular beliefs limiting good understanding. Results: A total of 322 participants were included. Their ages ranged from 19 to 86 years, with a mean of 39.39 ± 15.34 years. The educational level of the study group was mainly university (54%), with (86%) coming from an urban environment. 96% of participants were familiar with the term osteoporosis without any correlation with age, level of education or place of residence (p-value was 0.976, 0.447, 0.423 respectively). The primary source of information was family and neighborhood in 59%. The group from the urban area was more educated, particularly regarding diagnosis (85%). The salary status of the participants was between 3000 and 10000 Moroccan dirhams for 54% of the participants, however 57% considered the therapeutic arsenal expensive, and was in no way correlated with monthly income. In terms of vitamin-calcium intake, 25% took calcium supplementation and 54% took vitamin D supplementation. 90% of our participants mentioned the preponderant role of calcium and vitamin intake in preserving bone health. Vitamin D deficiency, rheumatic and endocrine history, early menopause, and smoking represented the popular beliefs most involved in the occurrence of osteoporosis with rates of 90%, 86%, 78% and 60% respectively. The major impact of osteoporosis represented by the risk of fracture and the disability caused were part of the achievements with spectacular rates of 97% and 95% respectively. Conclusion: Better understanding leads to early diagnosis and better management. Our approach through this survey is to process current information on osteoporosis to amplify the impact of awareness campaigns.