Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Osteoporosis, Barriers to Bone Mineral Density Screening, and Perceptions of Pharmacists’ Roles Among Adults in Sabha, Libya: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Osteoporosis is an important public health condition that may remain clinically silent until a fragility fracture occurs. This study assessed osteoporosis-related knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices among adults in Sabha, Libya, and examined perceived barriers to bone mineral density (BMD) screening and perceptions of pharmacists’ roles. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults aged 18 years or older between April and August 2024 using convenience sampling. The questionnaire was translated from English into Arabic, reviewed for consistency, and pilot-tested among 20 adults who were excluded from the main study. Of 350 questionnaires distributed, 289 were returned; eight blank questionnaires were excluded, leaving 281 participants for analysis (response rate 80.3%). Women comprised 80.4% of the sample, and 47.0% were aged 18–29 years. The mean knowledge score was 6.90 out of 11, equivalent to 62.8% correct responses, although important item-level gaps were observed, particularly regarding the asymptomatic nature of osteoporosis and selected risk factors. Only 6.0% had previously undergone BMD testing, whereas 80.1% reported willingness to undergo testing if given the opportunity. Commonly reported barriers included lack of awareness of osteoporosis risk (79.7%), limited availability of BMD testing in health centres (63.7%), lack of knowledge about the test (58.0%), and absence of a physician request (53.7%). Participants generally supported pharmacists’ involvement: 76.9% agreed that pharmacists could provide medication advice, and 60.5% supported a role for private pharmacies in facilitating BMD testing. The findings show a substantial gap between willingness to be screened and actual screening uptake. Improving public education, access to risk-based BMD screening, and pharmacist-supported counselling and referral may strengthen osteoporosis prevention in Sabha.