Health literacy and osteoporosis awareness levels among individuals in the age group at risk for osteoporosis: A descriptive cross-sectional study

IntroductionOsteoporosis is a significant public health problem that increases the risk of fractures and affects quality of life. Awareness is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment management of osteoporosis. This study aimed to evaluate the level of health literacy and osteoporosis awareness in individuals at risk for osteoporosis, and to examine the relationship between these two variables and the factors influencing this situation.Materials and MethodsThis cross-sectional study was designed with the following inclusion criteria: female patients aged 65 and over, and male patients aged 70 and over. The Turkish Health Literacy Scale-32 (THLS-32) and the Osteoporosis Awareness Scale (OAS) were used as questionnaires. The age, gender, and education level of all patients were recorded.ResultsThe study included 190 patients (95 women, 95 men). The average THLS-32 score of the patients was 22.6, and the average OAS score was 50.01 ± 14.489. OAS scores were similar in men and women (p = 0.185). In subgroup comparisons, the mean of awareness of risk factors were significantly higher in men (p = 0.023). Exercise (p < 0.001) and osteoporosis characteristics (p < 0.001) scores were significantly higher in women. A moderate positive correlation was obtained between THLS-32 and OAS scores (r = 0.543; p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that health literacy was inadequate in both male and female patients and that the osteoporosis awareness score was 50.01 ± 14.489. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between the THLS-32 and the OAS.Trial registration number and date of registration: NCT07419451 - 02/18/2026.