Osteoporosis guideline awareness among Iranian family physicians: results of a knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey

Aim This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of family physicians in Iran, regarding osteoporosis and their experience with national osteoporosis guideline. Background Osteoporosis is a relatively preventable, chronic and progressive disease. Family physicians play a crucial role in relieving the burden of care. Methods This cross-sectional study was addressed at all qualified family physicians who registered at urban family physicians and referral system program. Data collection included demographics, professional experience, and knowledge of guidelines based on a standardized KAP questionnaire. Student's t-test was used to measure the associations between KAP scores and demographic, professional experience variables. Findings The response rate was 72% (540/750). Based on Bloom's cut off scale, family physicians knowledge and practice scores were in moderate level, and only 14 and 38.5% of them had good knowledge and practice, respectively. Attitude score was in good level, and 64.1% of participants had positive attitude. Mean score of knowledge and practice were higher significantly among family physicians that practice in public settings. Family physicians, who completed osteoporosis training courses, had higher attitude score (P = 0.03). Only 23.5% of family physicians were aware of the existence of national osteoporosis guideline. Conclusion Although most family physicians believed in the importance of preventive measures, however, limited number of them had good knowledge and practice regarding osteoporosis and less than a quarter were aware of national guideline. This is a clear need to disseminate the guideline more effectively, make greater use of efficient training methods.