Health Literacy and Osteoporosis Awareness

Plain-language summary

Osteoporosis (OP) is defined as a progressive metabolic bone disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of the microarchitecture of bone tissue, resulting in increased bone fragility and a higher risk of fractures. Osteoporosis and related fractures constitute a significant public health problem in our increasingly aging world. It is currently estimated that more than 200 million people worldwide are affected by osteoporosis. The most important clinical outcome of osteoporosis is fragility fractures that occur as a result of low-energy trauma. Health literacy is an important determinant of both individual and public health and is considered a fundamental component of patient-centered care. Health literacy is defined as the ability to obtain, process, and understand relevant health information in order to make appropriate health decisions, and limited health literacy is recognized as a global public health problem. Many patients have difficulty understanding their medical conditions, medications, and care instructions due to inadequate health literacy. Patients with limited health literacy often have insufficient understanding of diagnostic and treatment protocols, which poses a risk for potential misuse of healthcare services and poorer health outcomes. Low levels of health literacy are also associated with increased hospital admissions and higher mortality rates. In contrast, higher health literacy is associated with greater health knowledge and self-confidence. Screening for the prevention of osteoporosis and related fractures can reduce fracture-associated mortality and morbidity. Such screening may be initiated by physicians through the evaluation of osteoporosis risk factors during clinical visits, or in some cases, based on patient demand, again guided by the physician's assessment of risk factors. One of the most important factors influencing patient demand is the level of osteoporosis awareness. Early diagnosis and treatment in at-risk patient groups before fractures occur can help prevent potential complications. In recent years, numerous scientific studies have investigated levels of osteoporosis knowledge and awareness. Some of these studies have focused on specific populations, such as individuals with spinal cord injury, rheumatoid arthritis, or patients followed after osteoporotic fractures, while others have been conducted exclusively among women. With increasing life expectancy and the growth of the elderly population, osteoporosis has become a more prominent health issue and is no longer limited to postmenopausal women, but rather represents a serious health problem affecting individuals of both sexes. The aim of the present study is to assess health literacy and the level of osteoporosis awareness among individuals in the age group at risk for osteoporosis and to identify factors influencing these outcomes. One of the distinguishing features of our study compared to previous research is the inclusion of both sexes. Another distinguishing aspect is the emphasis on the indication for osteoporosis screening in older adults, even in the absence of obvious risk factors such as chronic disease, medication use, or a history of fractures. We hope that our study will contribute to the existing literature on osteoporosis, health literacy, and osteoporosis awareness.

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