CalciumNEW2026-10

Knowledge-behavior disparities in osteoporosis prevention among postmenopausal women: evidence from Armenia.

Mkrtchyan S A, Mardiyan M A, Sakanyan G H, Dunamalyan R A et al. — Archives of osteoporosis

Summary

A study in Armenia looked at how much postmenopausal women know about osteoporosis and what they do to prevent it. It found that most women had low knowledge about the condition, even though many engaged in some preventive actions. The study suggests that better education and how women perceive their own health can influence their preventive behaviors.

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Key points

Most postmenopausal women in Armenia have limited knowledge about osteoporosis.
Despite low knowledge, many women still engage in some preventive practices.
Higher education and a positive view of one's own health are linked to better preventive actions.
Calcium intake was low among participants, highlighting a specific area for improvement.

What the study looked at

What question the study asked: This study aimed to understand how much postmenopausal women in Armenia knew about osteoporosis and what actions they took to prevent it. It also explored if there was a link between their knowledge and their preventive behaviors. How it was studied (design/participants): Researchers surveyed 442 women aged 45 to 75 in Yerevan, Armenia, who had not been previously diagnosed with osteoporosis. They used a questionnaire to assess participants' knowledge about osteoporosis and their engagement in preventive practices, such as physical activity, calcium and vitamin D intake, and bone density screenings. What it found: The study revealed that most women had low knowledge about osteoporosis. However, a moderate number of women still engaged in some preventive behaviors. Specifically, while many consumed enough vitamin D, only a small percentage had adequate calcium intake or had undergone bone density screening. The findings also indicated that higher education and a positive self-assessment of health were associated with better preventive practices.

Dietary takeaway

This study highlights that many women may not be getting enough calcium, which is crucial for bone health, especially after menopause. While knowledge about osteoporosis might be low, making conscious food choices like including dairy products, leafy greens, or fortified foods can help increase calcium intake. Remember, this is just one study from a specific region, and more research is always needed to draw definitive conclusions for broader populations.

Abstract

UNLABELLED: This study assessed osteoporosis knowledge and preventive practices among postmenopausal women in Armenia. A substantial knowledge deficit was identified despite moderate preventive behaviors. Education and self-rated health influenced outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted educational interventions and strengthened physician involvement. BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a major global public health problem, particularly among postmenopausal women, due to its asymptomatic course and high risk of fragility fractures. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, insufficient awareness and suboptimal preventive practices remain significant challenges. OBJECTIVE: To assess osteoporosis-related knowledge and preventive practices among postmenopausal women in Armenia and to examine the association between knowledge and engagement in preventive behaviors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 442 women aged 45-75 years in Yerevan, Armenia. Participants without a prior diagnosis of osteoporosis were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, including the Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool (OKAT) and measures of preventive practices (physical activity, calcium and vitamin D intake, and bone mineral density screening). Preventive practices were summarized using a composite score (0-5). Logistic regression analyses were performed. Two outcomes were analyzed by binary logistic regression-osteoporosis knowledge (low vs moderаte/high) and preventive practice (low vs moderаte/high). Univariate models screened socio-demographic, lifestyle and medical predictors of each outcome. A multivariate logistic model with simultaneous entry of all candidate predictors then identified independent predictors of preventive practice. RESULTS: Most participants (76.9%) demonstrated low osteoporosis-related knowledge, with a mean OKAT score of 6.6 ± 3.7 out of 20. Preventive practices were predominantly moderate (56.3%), with a mean score of 2.7 ± 1.2 out of 5. Adequate vitamin D intake was observed in 84.6% of participants, whereas adequate calcium intake was observed in only 39.1% of participants and only 27.8% had ever undergone bone mineral density screening. Higher education was associated with better knowledge (OR = 2.56; p = 0.008). In a multivariate model with all candidate predictors entered simultaneously, a positive self-rated health status (adjusted OR = 2.15; p = 0.017) and greater knowledge (adjusted OR = 1.70; p = 0.035) were independently associated with engagement in preventive practice. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial deficit in osteoporosis-related knowledge exists among postmenopausal women in Armenia despite moderate preventive practices. Targeted educational strategies are needed.

View on PubMed →DOI: 10.1007/s11657-026-01795-6