Avaliação do conhecimento de pacientes idosos sobre osteoporose em hospital de referência do Piauí

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the knowledge of elderly individuals undergoing medical treatment about osteoporosis. Methods: The research was conducted from February 27 to March 31, 2025, with 150 elderly individuals, aged 60 years or older, admitted to the ward or outpatient department of a referral hospital in the city of Teresina, Piauí. Knowledge about osteoporosis was assessed using questionnaires and analyzed together with sociodemographic and clinical variables. In addition, the risk of fracture was calculated using FRAX. Results: The predominant sociodemographic profile of this study was that of a man, living in the urban area, with a family income between 1 and 2 minimum wages and with an incomplete elementary education level. It was observed that only 22% of the elderly presented a “good level of knowledge”, and the average percentage of correct answers was 50%. The majority did not use medications or had comorbidities associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis. In addition, the majority of participants presented an intermediate risk of major osteoporotic fracture. Conclusion: There was a lack of information about osteoporosis, and it is necessary to improve the education provided to patients, especially by health professionals, where there was also a lack, in order to expand prevention measures and achieve greater adherence to treatment of the disease.