Family Physicians' Knowledge and Practice of FRAX® in the Management of Osteoporosis in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study intended to assess the awareness and usage of the FRAX tool among family physicians in Jeddah and to identify gaps in screening knowledge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study on 152 family physicians in Jeddah through a convenient sampling method and Google Forms was used to collect data via an online survey. The questionnaire included six items, and respondents were asked to select "Yes" or "No" as their response options. The chi-square test was used to determine significant associations between the variables related to FRAX tool awareness and practice and certain sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 152 family physicians participated. The results showed moderate awareness (88.20%). Of those aware of FRAX, only 57.20% reported using it in their practice, with the main barriers being a lack of a country -specific model, a busy practice, and not knowing how to use it. Single participants and those attending King Abdulaziz University were more likely to have used FRAX. CONCLUSION: Osteoporosis is a significant health problem with a rising incidence and economic burden. The FRAX tool is widely used to evaluate fracture risk. However, healthcare professionals still face perceived barriers, such as a lack of knowledge and awareness of a countryspecific calculator. Targeted educational interventions and further studies are needed to overcome these barriers and to improve the tool's usage in clinical practice.