Osteoporosis Amongst Jordanians: Effect of Pharmacist-Directed Brochure Education on People's Knowledge

Purpose: To assess osteoporosis knowledge among Jordanian people and to evaluate the effect of a pharmacist-directed brochure on the knowledge. Methods: This study was an interventional study conducted in two major cities of Jordan. The baseline knowledge of participants about osteoporosis (KOS) was evaluated by a validated, back-translated questionnaire. Thereafter, participants received a pharmacist-directed brochure education about osteoporosis, and then their knowledge was assessed using the same questionnaire. Results: Of the 395 people visiting community pharmacies in Jordan that were enrolled into the study, their age ranged from 18 to > 60 years old and 70.4 % were female. More than 60 % of the participants had good baseline knowledge about osteoporosis (median KOS > 50 %). Gender, education and smoking status significantly affected baseline knowledge. The pharmacist-directed brochure significantly improved KOS score (78 % vs. 56 %, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Current knowledge of Jordanians about osteoporosis is moderate, especially females. However, majority of Jordanians believe that they need more education about osteoporosis. The educational brochure significantly improved knowledge in various important aspects. Comprehensive educational programs, which cover more areas of osteoporosis knowledge, and that should not necessarily depend only on written material, is therefore recommended.