Knowledge on osteoporosis in guardians of hip fracture patients

Treatment gap between the treatment guideline and real clinical practice of osteoporosis has been found to be worldwide. Although insufficient knowledge of guardians on osteoporosis might be one important obstacle to diagnose and treatment of osteoporotic patients, there was not a study on the knowledge of guardians. We evaluated the guardians' knowledge on osteoporosis compared with the knowledge of orthopedic doctors, using a self-administered questionnaire, a modified Facts on Osteoporosis Quiz (FOOQ). In March and April 2012, the knowledge of osteoporosis was measured in 40 guardians of hip fracture patients and 40 orthopedic surgeons using, a modified FOOQ. In terms of treatment and prevention of osteoporosis, the modified FOOQ score of the guardians have inadequate knowledge and understanding about the osteoporosis, compared with orthopedic doctors (p < 0.001). The level of guardians' knowledge on osteoporosis should be considered and improved to achieve satisfactory osteoporosis treatment in hip fracture patients.