Abstract

BACKGROUND:Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to enhanced bone fragility and a consequent increase in fracture risk. It is the most common metabolic bone disease and can result in devastating physical, psychosocial, and economic consequences. It is often overlooked and undertreated, however, in large part because it is so often clinically silent before manifesting in the form of fracture. METHODOLOGY: It is a cross-sectional study involving 600 subjects. The knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) were assessed along with the risk factors which includes modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors based on OPQ questionnaire and IOF(international osteoporosis foundation)one minute risk test. The quality of life of the subjects was obtained using a IOF Quality of life questionnaire (QUALEFFO-41).Counseling was provided to the subjects regarding the disease, its risk factors and lifestyle modifications which includes diet and exercise to be followed. The subjects at risk were detected by evaluating the questionnaires. A follow up study was conducted for 153 people who are at high risk osteoporotic people to study the impact of pharmacist counseling on the modifiable risk factors and their KAP levels. RESULTS: The study involved 602 women above 25 years of age of which 100 (17%) women were having medical conditions which expose them to osteoporosis risk. Remaining 502 (83%) women were not having any medical conditions. Their knowledge, attitudes and practices towards osteoporosis was evaluated and it was found that above 85% women were at poor knowledge about the disease and its risk factors. Average modifiable risk was found to be 4.6 (1.23) and average non modifiable risk was found to be in a range of 2-4. The study included 32 already diagnosed osteoporotic women who were on medications. IOF one minute risk was assessed for 602 women and found out that 120 members(20%) were at high risk. Quality of life was assessed for women who were osteoporotic (5.31%) and women at high risk (20%). It was observed that there was no much significant differences in the majority of the domains of quality of life. CONCLUSION: The IOF one minute risk test and OPQ questionnaire are useful tools in assessing the risk and the KAP of the subjects and predicting the subjects at high risk. By pharmacist counseling the subjects were able to improve the KAP on Osteoporosis and depreciate the modifiable risk factors and adapt life style modifications for prevention of the osteoporosis.