Osteoporosis in men: a survey of male awareness

Item

Title
Osteoporosis in men: a survey of male awareness
Author(s)
Myhill Ruth
Abstract
The commonality of osteoporosis in women is widely excepted, only recently have we become aware that it is also widespread in men: one in twelve men in the UK have osteoporosis, with the male fracture risk being similar to that of prostate cancer. Prevention is seen as the most effective and cost efficient way of dealing with osteoporosis, but little focus has been placed on educating the male population in comparison to women. While much research has been carried out on the female population, few studies have assessed the levels of awareness and understanding of the male population. This study took the form of a questionnaire survey. 276 men, from the age 16 to over 81, fully completed the questionnaire. The results of the survey showed that 48% of the male population stated an understanding of osteoporosis, and of these the majority had a good awareness. Little concern was shown of the risk of developing the condition, correlating with the lack of awareness of prevalence. According to thisstudy, 3% of the male population suffers with osteoporosis. A high proportion of the population stating an understanding were lacking in knowledge of preventative measures, though they had a good knowledge of risk factors. Symptomology awareness is varied throughout the population, though men are aware of when osteoporosis was likely to present in both men and women. The majority of the male population claimed to be prepared to make lifestyle changes, but nearly all felt that more education is needed both personally and for the general public. The male population needs further knowledge of osteoporosis. Preferably a long-term education programme needs to be established. All constituents of the health care system can play an important role in this, including osteopathy and naturopathy, as well as providing symptomatic relief of those already suffering.
Date Accepted
2002
Date Submitted
1.11.2003 00:00:00
Type
undergraduate_project
Language
English
Number of pages
75
Submitted by:
62
Pub-Identifier
13014
Inst-Identifier
1076
Keywords
Osteoporosis,Men,Surveys
Recommended
0
Item sets
Thesis

Myhill Ruth, “Osteoporosis in men: a survey of male awareness”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed April 23, 2025, https://library.wso.at/s/orw/item/1324