Knowledge, Awareness and Perception towards Osteoporosis Risk in China: A Systematic Review

We aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge, awareness, and perceptions regarding osteoporosis (OP) and risk factors in China.

The databases of PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of science, VIP, and CNKI were searched for papers published before December 2022 using Chinese and English keywords and their combinations: “knowledge”, “osteoporosis”, “risk factor”, “bone health”, “perception”, “awareness”. The levels of knowledge, awareness, and perception about OP, as well as risk factors, clinical symptoms, and health information sources were narratively synthesized.

Sixteen papers were finally included for analysis. Participants all showed poor levels of knowledge and perception regarding osteoporosis and risk factors. Investigation of clinical symptoms was rarely involved in the included studies due to the asymptomatic features of OP. The findings also suggest a strong association between poor level of knowledge regarding OP and educational attainment, type of participant, and gender. The majority of participants are increasingly turning to the Internet and social media to access information about OP.

The findings of this paper provide useful information for intervention providers to prevent and control OP and encourage them to carry out health promotion campaigns to enhance knowledge and awareness of OP.