Background: Around the world, osteoporosis is a serious public health issue that is linked to significant morbidity and mortality. Osteoporosis-related knowledge and practice are generally lacking among people. This study sought to assess the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding osteoporosis prevention among people living in tribal area of Himachal Pradesh. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst the 400 Ortho OPD patients at the Regional Hospital, Keylong in District Lahaul and Spiti of Himachal Pradesh who were chosen using a convenience sampling technique. Using a self-administered, pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire, data on their socio-demographic characteristics as well as knowledge, beliefs and practices of osteoporosis preventive measures were gathered. Epi info v7 software was used to evaluate the data using the necessary statistical tests. Results: Of the 400 participants in the current study, 26.25 percent (105) were under the age of 40, while 73.75 percent (295) were over that age. Male patients (226) made up 56.5% of the total, while female patients made up 43.5%. (174). Participants knew surprisingly little about different osteoporosis risk factors and protective methods. They generally also had modestly favourable thoughts about osteoporosis and a small level of self-efficacy in putting the suggested practices for the disease into effect. Conclusion: The current study found that participants had poor understanding of osteoporosis and were not properly applied to prophylactic measures. This was primarily caused by a lack of understanding of how deadly osteoporosis is. Therefore, public health initiatives should be implemented to modify people's lifestyles and improve awareness of osteoporosis prevention.
Thakur et al. (Tue,) studied this question.