Evaluation of the relationship between osteoporosis awareness, physical activity level, and bone mineral density in individuals aged 18and above

Objective: This study aimed to compare osteoporosis awareness, physical activity, and bone mineral measurement values among women aged 18–70 who applied to the Bone Densitometry Unit. Materials and Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted between March 15, 2025, and June 15, 2025, at the Bone Mineral Density Unit of Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University Hospital. The relationships among osteoporosis awareness, physical activity level, and bone mineral measurement values were examined in patients referred for bone mineral density assessment. Data were collected using a face-to-face interview technique with a questionnaire including participants' sociodemographic and descriptive characteristics, the Osteoporosis Awareness Scale, and the Short Form of the Physical Activity Questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS version 26, and a p- value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study was conducted with 428 women who presented for bone densitometry measurement. The mean age of the participants was 50.9 ± 11.5 years. Osteoporosis Awareness Scale scores differed significantly by age, education, income, occupation, and marital status; awareness was higher in younger participants, those with higher education and income levels, office workers, and individuals who exercised (p < 0.05). Levels of vigorous and moderate physical activity were low, whereas walking duration was significantly higher, particularly among younger and better-educated groups. T-scores differed significantly by age, menopause status, income, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference; scores were lower among older women, those with low income, postmenopausal women, individuals with normal or low BMI, and those with waist circumference <80 cm, while higher scores were found in the obese group (p < 0.05). In the premenopausal period, Z-scores were largely within the age-appropriate range, although significant differences were observed in the femoral region in some subgroups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study revealed that osteoporosis awareness decreases with age but increases with higher education and income levels, and is higher among individuals who exercise. Overall, physical activity levels were low, particularly for vigorous and moderate activities. In DEXA measurements, T-scores differed significantly by age, menopause, BMI, and waist circumference, being higher in obese individuals and lower in older and postmenopausal women. These findings underscore the importance of initiatives to improve osteoporosis awareness and strengthen preventive approaches.