Evaluation of Osteoporosis Awareness in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Objective: Osteoporosis is a significant health problem that affects the quality of life negatively and places a serious burden on the national economy. The risk of osteoporosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients is increased compared to the normal population; however, the knowledge level of the COPD patients related to osteoporosis has not been clearly known. The aim of our study was to investigate the awareness and knowledge level of COPD patients about osteoporosis. Materials and Methods: The patients diagnosed with COPD who admitted to the outpatient clinic of chest diseases between April 2018 and December 2018 were included in the study. The demographic data of the patients were recorded. Whether they have information about osteoporosis and if they know, the sources of information, whether they applied to a physician for this issue, and their knowledge level about the risk factors of osteoporosis were questioned and recorded. Results: A total of 122 patients, of whom 111 were male, were included in the study. 54.9% of the patients had knowledge about osteoporosis. It was found that they were informed mostly from people around them (28.7%), physicians (23%), and press (3.3%). Even though more than half of the patients had known osteoporosis, only 6.6% knew that COPD was a risk factor, and 0.8% were informed by the chest physician about osteoporosis and referred to the relevant physician. Conclusion: The knowledge level of COPD patients about osteoporosis was determined to be insufficient. All physicians, especially chest physicians, should give due consideration to this subject and education should be emphasized through the press.