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Osteoporosis International
Management of Osteoporosis in the Middle East and North Africa: A Survey ofPhysicians’ Perceptions and Practices
--Manuscript Draft--
Manuscript Number:
Full Title: Management of Osteoporosis in the Middle East and North Africa: A Survey ofPhysicians’ Perceptions and Practices
Article Type: Original Article
Funding Information:
Abstract: Background: The 2011 IOF Middle East Osteoporosis Audit highlighted major caregaps in osteoporosis care in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.Objective: investigate osteoporosis management practice patterns in this region.Materials and Methods: we mailed an electronic survey to a convenience sample ofphysicians, explaining the study rationale and methods. It gathered information onphysicians’ profiles, availability and utilization of resources, risk assessment andmanagement. 573 responses were obtained from the United Arab Emirates (UAE,36%), Saudi Arabia (KSA, 25%), Lebanon (14%), and others (25%). Endocrinologywas the single most represented specialty. Results: 60% of participants had access todensitometers, but treating physicians were not in charge of densitometry reading.Screening for vitamin D deficiency and secondary contributors to osteoporosis wasfrequently implemented. Although two thirds of professionals were aware of FRAX®only 42% used it, either because of lack of know how or of a country specific calculator.Almost all (96.0%) had access to oral and 68.9% to intravenous bisphosphonates, andover half to teriparatide (46.4%) and denosumab (45.0%). Most participants (92%)were aware of concerns regarding side effects of bisphosphonates, and this changedthe management in the majority (73%). Important barriers to osteoporosis care werelack of osteoporosis awareness among physicians, patients, and cost of treatment.Conclusions: This first look at physicians’ practice patterns on the diagnosis andtreatment of osteoporosis in the MENA region underscores the pressing need for anofficial call for action, at all levels, to address this large care gap.
Corresponding Author: Salem Arifi Beshyah, PhD FRCP FACP FACESheikh Khalifa Medical CityAbu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Corresponding Author SecondaryInformation:
Corresponding Author's Institution: Sheikh Khalifa Medical City
Corresponding Author's SecondaryInstitution:
First Author: Salem Arifi Beshyah, PhD FRCP FACP FACE
First Author Secondary Information:
Order of Authors: Salem Arifi Beshyah, PhD FRCP FACP FACE
Yousef Al-Saleh, MD FACE
Ghada El-Hajj Fuleihan, MD MPH FRCP
Order of Authors Secondary Information:
Author Comments: Dear Dr. Cosman,
We would be grateful if you consider the this submission for publication inOsteoporosis International.
Our manuscript presents the results of the first comprehensive survey on themanagement of osteoporosis through survey of the knowledge, attitudes and practicesof relevant physicians in the Middle East and North Africa and studies their views of the
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barriers to optimal osteoporosis care. We also explored differences within the region bycomparing responses from the largest three countries contributing to the study andmade comparisons to results of two other regions (Asia and Korea).
Osteoporosis is an orphan condition in our region as in many other parts of the worldbeing lost between the conventional disciplinary lines of division. Hence ascertainingthe knowledge, attitudes and practices of the MENA physicians concerning thescreening, investigation, and treatment of osteoporosis is or paramount importance.
We feel the issue is important in general and the fact our survey is the first of its kind inthe MENA region, a new region where data is missing and conflicting schools ofthoughts may coexist due to training history and current affiliation of the individualphysicians.
It underscores practice patterns and care gap in osteoporosis, in a diverse targetsample, obstacles to good care, need for guidelines and better understanding ofFRAX.
We also took the opportunity of the existence of two surveys from Asia and Korea tomake a global perspective of the manuscript
We hope you find it valuable and appropriate of OI.
Kindest regards
Salem A BeshyahYousef Al-SalehGhada El-Hajj Fuleihan
Suggested Reviewers: Manju Chandran, MD, FACP, FACE, FAMS, CCDSenior Consultant, Singapore General [email protected] publication and interest.
Neil BinkleyDirector, University of [email protected] interest in this type of research
Nelson B WattsConsultant, Mercy Health Osteoporosis and Bone Health [email protected] and publication in this area
Pauline M Camacho, MD FACEProfessor and director, Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease Center at LoyolaUniversity Chicago Stritch School of [email protected] in the area of access and care gaps
Sanford Baim, MD FACEDirector, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, [email protected] and experience in the area
E Michael Lewiecki, MD FACP FACEDirector, New Mexico Clinical Research & Osteoporosis [email protected] and interest and publications
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Research Article
Management of Osteoporosis in the Middle East and North Africa: A
Survey of Physicians’ Perceptions and Practices.
*Salem A Beshyah, MBBCh DIC PhD FRCP FACP FACE
Consultant Endocrinologist, Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical
City, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Adjunct Professor of Clinical Research and Metabolic Medicine, Dubai Medical College,
Dubai, UAE.
Tel: 00971 505662723
E-mail: [email protected]
Yousef Al-Saleh, MD FACE
Associate Professor
Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Ministry of National Guard
Health Affairs, Saudi Arabia
King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, King Saud bin
Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia·
T: +966(11)8011111 Ext.13056
F: +966(11)8011111 Ext. 14229
E-mail: [email protected]
Ghada El-Hajj Fuleihan, MD MPH FRCP
Professor of Medicine
Director, Calcium Metabolism and Osteoporosis Program
WHO Collaborating Center for Metabolic Bone Disorders
Director Scholars in HeAlth Research Program (SHARP)
American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
Tel: 961-1-350,000 Ext 5362 or 7412 (SHARP)
Tel: Direct line 961-1-737868
Fax: 961-1-745321 or 961-1-744464
Corresponding author:
Dr. Salem A Beshyah
Key words: Osteoporosis, FRAX, MENA region, Bone Health, Physicians Practices, Care
Gap
Submission details:
Word Count: Exclusive of abstract and references = 4211
Tables 3
Figures 2. (Color: None)
Supplementary Material: Appendix 1, 2, 3
Manuscript Click here to access/download;Manuscript;MENAOsteoporosis Management Survey - Main-Final
Click here to view linked References
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ABSTRACT
Background: The 2011 IOF Middle East Osteoporosis Audit highlighted major care gaps in
osteoporosis care in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Objective: investigate
osteoporosis management practice patterns in this region. Materials and Methods: we mailed
an electronic survey to a convenience sample of physicians, explaining the study rationale and
methods. It gathered information on physicians’ profiles, availability and utilization of
resources, risk assessment and management. 573 responses were obtained from the United
Arab Emirates (UAE, 36%), Saudi Arabia (KSA, 25%), Lebanon (14%), and others (25%).
Endocrinology was the single most represented specialty. Results: 60% of participants had
access to densitometers, but treating physicians were not in charge of densitometry reading.
Screening for vitamin D deficiency and secondary contributors to osteoporosis was frequently
implemented. Although two thirds of professionals were aware of FRAX® only 42% used it,
either because of lack of know how or of a country specific calculator. Almost all (96.0%) had
access to oral and 68.9% to intravenous bisphosphonates, and over half to teriparatide (46.4%)
and denosumab (45.0%). Most participants (92%) were aware of concerns regarding side
effects of bisphosphonates, and this changed the management in the majority (73%). Important
barriers to osteoporosis care were lack of osteoporosis awareness among physicians, patients,
and cost of treatment. Conclusions: This first look at physicians’ practice patterns on the
diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in the MENA region underscores the pressing need for
an official call for action, at all levels, to address this large care gap.
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INTRODUCTION:
With improved health care, urbanization, sedentary lifestyle, and increased longevity,
osteoporosis (OP) disease burden will constitute a large proportion of the growing list of non-
communicable diseases (NCDs) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region [1]. In
2011 the Middle East Osteoporosis Africa IOF audit provided a comprehensive assessment of
the status of osteoporosis in the region. It underscored the lack of national databases, registries,
and cohorts, and identified gaps in resources, knowledge and care [2]. Osteoporosis is an
orphan condition being claimed by different specialties in different countries, and despite the
large incurred disease burden, it is not on the classic list of NCDs. It therefore remains un-
recognized as a national health care priority in many countries globally, and in the region [2,3],
and puts affected patients at even greater risk of late recognition, suboptimal management, and
poorer outcomes [4,5].
The diagnosis of osteoporosis, fracture risk assessment and management, rely primarily on
presence of fragility fractures, bone mineral density (BMD) measurements and personal risk
factors [6]. However, this diagnostic process is hindered in many Middle East and North Africa
(MENA) countries in light of the scarcity of BMD devices, and costs [2]. Only 2 countries, the
United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Lebanon, met the IOF recommendation for number of
devices available per capita [2]. The fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX®), developed by the
WHO Sheffield group, predicts the 10-year probability of osteoporotic fracture based on either
risk factors alone or in combination with a femoral neck BMD measurement [7]. This risk
calculator has the assed advantages of ability to be calibrated to country specific epidemiology
of hip fractures and longevity. The paradoxical vitamin D deficiency in the MENA region,
despite abundant sunshine almost all year round, highlighted the need for evaluation of vitamin
D deficiency and replacement [8-10] Furthermore, concerns regarding the long-term use of
bisphosphonates has resulted in a substantial decrease in their use in western populations [11].
How widely these issues are recognized and how well they are addressed in the MENA region
is unclear.
The specific objectives of this survey conducted in the region to 1) identify current attitudes
and management practices of physicians in the MENA region with regard to osteoporosis, 2)
gain insight into the perceptions amongst these physicians on the applicability and current
utilization of FRAX® in their practice, 3) assess the medical resources available to the
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practicing physician involved in osteoporosis care, and 4) identify the unmet needs in
osteoporosis care and barriers to osteoporosis identification and treatment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Survey Design:
The study is based on web-based survey of a pooled data base of physicians in the MENA
region conducted over the period of April 2015 to November 2016. Targeted respondents
consisted of database of attendees to major national and regional endocrine and osteoporosis
meetings. The commercial survey service (Survey Monkey, Palo Alto, CA, USA) was
employed. All target study population received an initial e-mail and 4 subsequent reminders at
weeks interval. A unique e-mail-specific electronic link to the survey questionnaire was
provided. Repeat submissions from the same link were automatically blocked by the survey
server. Survey responses were anonymously collected, stored electronically and analyzed at
the end of the study.
Study population:
The MENA region is a well-recognized geopolitical and economic entity; that includes 22
countries and comprises 6% of the world population. There is no single master database for all
endocrinologists. A large convenience sample included practicing physicians who were
identified on academic databases of health-related bodies, professional groups and recent
continuous professional development events (or e.g. AACE Gulf Chapter annual meetings)
and/or by virtue of their contribution to the medical literature in the subject, mostly
endocrinologists and internists with special interest in endocrinology. In Lebanon, updated
mailing lists of members of concerned societies, members of the Lebanese Society of
Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disorders (OSTEOS), were accessed (endocrinologists,
rheumatologist, internists, gynecologists and radiologists). In Saudi Arabia, the emails were
specifically sent to all individuals associated with the Saudi Endocrine Society. Due to the
heterogeneity of the pool, respondents were asked to identify themselves in terms of specialties,
age group, duration and volume of practice (Table 1), to enable characterization of
demographic and professional profiles similar to previously published surveys-based studies
from the region [12,13]. Only respondents practicing in the MENA region were included in the
analysis. No data could be captured on the non-responders. A total of 616 responses were
received; with an estimated response rate of 10% based on the total number from the combined
email invitation list.
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The survey questionnaire:
The questionnaire was addressed to medical doctors and formulated de novo based on the
objectives of the study although several questions were inspired by questionnaires used in 2
previous studies with similar objectives [14,15]. These questions were adapted to suit regional
circumstances and to address additional contemporary concerns. The questionnaire was user-
friendly, with a simple format and clear instructions. It prevented any deviations from the
response options that were predefined for each question by using a multiple-choices format
with occasional extra options for comments to be added when needed. The questionnaire was
beta-tested by 12 endocrinologists prior to launch. It included 34 questions about the
physicians’ attitude to current issues and the barriers to osteoporosis management in the
following five domains (demography and professional profile, practice profile, resources
availability and utilization, risk assessment and screening for secondary osteoporosis,
management and barrier to osteoporosis care in the practice/country; see Table 1). The survey
was conducted in English being the language used in most professional communications in the
region [see Appendix 1 for full details on survey questions]. The use of common questions
between the current survey and the previous two [14,15], allowed for comparisons on practice
patterns across regions.
Analysis:
The results are expressed in actual numbers as a proportion of total responses per a given
question or adjusted as percentages to account for differences of responses between questions.
For comparisons of proportions between groups we used the Chi-square test, and the online
calculators of the Southwestern Adventist University (http://turner.faculty.swau.edu) was used
for all analyses. P-value< 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Country-wise subgroup
analyses of practice were explored using data from three countries contributing the largest
numbers of respondents namely United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon [see
Supplementary Material (Appendix 2)] for intra-regional variations. We also compared our
results with the two previously published surveys from Korea and Asia [14,15] [see
Supplementary Material (Appendix 3)] for inter-regional variations.
RESULTS:
Demographics of respondents
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Out of 616 responses received, 573 met the entry criteria (viz. medically qualified, agreeing to
participate in the survey, residing/practicing in the MENA region and provided meaningful
responses to the clinical questions). The countries with the largest number of respondents were
United Arab Emirates (36.2%), Saudi Arabia (25%) and Lebanon (13.6%). The gender
distribution showed more males marginally, one third of respondents were 31-40 years, and
almost two thirds were 41-60 years (Table 2).
Professional and practice profiles:
These are detailed in Tables 2 and 3. Nearly one third were endocrinologists, whereas primary
care/family medicine and internal medicine specialists represented around 20% each. Over
half were consultants and 29% were sub-consultant specialists/fellows. The type of clinical
practices were university or teaching hospitals (57.6%), district or community hospitals
(20.2%) or private practice (15.3%). The majority were treating physicians and most worked
in large city-based practices. Existence of osteoporosis management guidelines were reported
by 48.7% of respondents in their respective countries. 82.6% of respondents managed patients
with osteoporosis: over half of respondents treated less than 10 patients a month, 5% between
50 and 100, and only 1.5 % would see more than 100 patients a month. One third of their
patients were described as already being diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis (1/3), a
minority were referred from primary care for DXA screening, or had a new fragility fracture,
whereas a combination of all of these was identified by over half of respondents.
Evaluation of bone health and utilization of FRAX®
Almost 60% of subjects had access to central DXA devices, around 13% to peripheral devices,
and almost a third were not sure or had none (Figure 1A). Although more than three quarters
of subjects classified patients with osteoporosis into risk groups and used densitometry to
assess their patients, BMD reporting was not made by the physicians themselves but rather by
the radiologists in over 83% of the time (Table 3). Only approximately two thirds of physicians
had heard about FRAX, less than half used it in their practice. Forty percent of those who used
FRAX, did so with risk factors and BMD, 6% with risk factors alone, whereas the remaining
54%, used both options depending on the case (Table 3). The models most commonly used
were Lebanon by 47%, Jordan 26.7%, USA 8.6%, followed by UK, Tunisia, Morocco, and
Palestine in very small proportions. Furthermore, over one third of respondents did not know
how to use FRAX, 23% of physicians were too busy and had no time to do it, 18 percent felt
FRAX not to be applicable, or listed no internet access or other reasons (Figure 2A). Screening
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for vitamin D was done by over 95% of physicians and other routine investigations before
initiating medications by 88.5% of physicians (Table 3). Respondents who do not perform
blood tests gave a variety of reasons (Figure 2B). Over eighty percent of them were not sure
which tests for secondary causes would be relevant, were concerned about costs, and felt the
tests were not relevant or not applicable.
Management of osteoporosis practices and barriers to optimal care:
Several anti-osteoporotic medications were reportedly available in the region including, almost
invariably, oral bisphosphonates (BPs), followed intravenous BPs, and others (Figure 1B). The
majority of physicians were concerned about bisphosphonates and for 73% this has changed
in their practice (Figure 2C). Several factors were identified as the biggest barriers to
osteoporosis care in their corresponding practice/country (Figure 2C). Most notably, these
included lack of physicians’ and patients’ awareness (over 50% each), closely followed by
costs and concerns about safety (Figure 2D).
Variations of practices within the MENA region:
Country-wise subgroup analyses of practice were explored using data from three countries
contributing the largest numbers of respondents namely United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia
and Lebanon [see Supplementary Material (Appendix 2)]. The majority of participants
practiced in large cities (> 84%), and over half practiced in university settings but more
respondents from Lebanon were in private practice (26.9 %). Almost half of participants from
Lebanon and KSA were endocrinologists, physicians from UAE were more likely to be in
internal medicine (25%); and 25% were in family medicine in all three countries. Respondents
from Lebanon saw a larger volume of patients with osteoporosis; almost half evaluated
between 10-50 patients with osteoporosis per month, compared with 33% in KSA and 24% in
UAE (Appendix 2). Furthermore, more respondents from Lebanon would use FRAX, and it
was FRAX Lebanon almost exclusively. Half of those who did not use FRAX responded that
it was due to short of time in clinic. However, the FRAX for Jordan, Lebanon, and USA were
used by 48.7%, 19.7% and 10.5% of the respondents from KSA and by 44.3%, 19.3%, and
9.1% of respondents from UAE. Respondents from KSA and UAE who did not use FRAX
attributed their practice to the lack of country model or lack of knowledge of how to use the
model. Access to all types of drugs was substantially higher in the Lebanese, including oral
BP, IV BP, denosumab, teriparatide and strontium ranelate, compared to UAE and KSA
counterparts (Appendix 2).
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Comparisons of practices in the MENA region, Korea and Asia.
The survey responses pertaining to utilization of densitometry and FRAX® for risk assessment
and to management of osteoporosis in the MENA region are from the present study, Korean
and Asian data were made [14,15]. Differences and similarities are highlighted (Supplementary
Material, Appendix 3). The Korean participants were younger than the other two groups, but
the location and type of practice were similar in the three groups. Although endocrinologists
in all regions were highly represented, there were more so in the MENA survey than in the
Korean and Asian surveys, which included more physicians in musculoskeletal specialties
(orthopedic surgeons, rheumatologists and rehabilitation physicians). More than half, 56% of
respondents have less than 10 cases per month, contrasted with smaller corresponding low
volume care respondents (14% and 21%) in the Korean and Asian groups respectively.
Furthermore, less patients were seen for either DXA assessment or new fragility fracture added
together by the MENA group (13%) compared with the Korean and Asian groups (32% and
24%) respectively. More respondents from the MENA region would assess vitamin D status
and evaluate other biochemical parameters but do less assessment of BMD and personally
review of the BMD images than in the other two surveys. Despite the availability of several
FRAX model in the region, awareness and utility of FRAX was lower in our survey compared
with the other two. Perceived barriers to care optimal care were different in the three groups,
whereas cost was particularly noted by Asian respondents, time restrictions was felt by the
MENA group and restrictions imposed by regulators and funders was noted in the Korean
study.
DISCUSSION:
In this study, we surveyed the perceptions and practices of physicians from the MENA region
to several contemporary issues relevant to osteoporosis management. In particular, we
documented their utility of the FRAX® risk assessment and BMD measurements, availability
and utilization of resources, and attitudes to current concerns about safety of anti-osteoporosis
drugs. More than three quarters do classify their patients with osteoporosis into risk groups
but only two thirds were aware of the FRAX®. Majority of the respondents used bone density
assessment to help them in diagnosis and making treatment decisions using central DXA, but
most scans are reported by radiologists rather than the treating physicians. Those who are aware
of FRAX® did not use it in their practice for several reasons and those who use it seem to be
using several models with unclear justifications. Screening for secondary causes of
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osteoporosis before initiation of treatment with anti-osteoporosis agents and screening for
vitamin D insufficiency is common practice (Table 3). Several anti-osteoporotic medications
were reportedly available in the MENA region and most physicians were aware of concerns
about bisphosphonate long term use and this has changed their management practice. Perceived
barriers to optimal care for osteoporosis include lack of physicians’ and patients' awareness,
and concerns about safety and costs of medications.
In the MENA region, guidelines are produced by a couple of national and regional bodies
[2,16,17] and there is ready access to guidelines made freely available by several international
societies [6, 18,19]. However, there does not seem to be a clear pattern of clinical management
of osteoporosis as suggested by a couple of small reports from Saudi Arabia and UAE [20-23].
The large proportion indicating BMD assessments might be influenced by selection bias, as all
our respondents. A critical shortage of DXA machines in most MENA countries has been
reported with exception of Lebanon and UAE [2], countries from which a disproportionately
larger number of respondents came. The assessment of bone density is an important step in the
establishment of the diagnosis and the further treatment and monitoring of osteoporosis. BMD
loss has been shown to correlate well with future fracture risk. DXA assessment in patients
with fragility fractures has been shown to vary widely [24]. Strangely, although radiologists
are no-treating physicians, according to this survey they seemed to lead and report DXA scans
more often than endocrinologists and rheumatologists in this region. It could be strongly argued
that radiologists may not be the most suitable specialists to undertake this role within a
comprehensive osteoporosis management program [25]. Although the ISCD and IOF have
conducted several densitometry training courses in the region over the years, our survey did
not specifically assess that point. Another interesting finding that almost all of our participants
had access to at least one form of bone densitometry device and this can partly be explained by
the substantial fraction of participants from large cities, with higher availability of bone
densitometers than in rural areas. Osteoporosis treatment rates have been shown to be crucially
linked to DXA accessibility [26]. Practicing physician ought to be familiar with the proper
performance of the DXA procedure and interpretation of the scan findings themselves [27,28].
The FRAX® risk calculator used to guide intervention thresholds in several national
osteoporosis guidelines [29, 30]. The Lebanese FRAX model is notably the first to be launched
in the region and the most developed [17]. It was based on country-specific national data on
hip fractures, obtained over more than one year and provided the basis for national FRAX based
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osteoporosis guidelines endorsed by multiple societies and the Lebanese Ministry of Health
[17]. However, the extent of BMD and FRAX use in clinical practice in the region at large is
not known. This survey reveals that over one third of physicians (35.2%) were not aware of
FRAX®, even those who knew about were not be using it consistently, a situation caused by
the lack of knowledge or of a country specific FRAX model (Table 3). Indeed, at the time the
survey was launched only 5 country specific calculators were available. These were for
Lebanon, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, and Palestine. Since the survey an additional 3 country-
specific calculators were added in Kuwait (March 2016), Abu Dhabi (Nov 2016) and Iran (Nov
2016), [https://www.shef.ac.uk/FRAX/pdfs/FRAX_Release_Notes.pdf]. The development of
a reliable country-specific FRAX® model requires procurement of high quality hip fracture
incidence data, and life expectancy, at a minimum [29]. In the absence of a country-specific
FRAX model the joint ISCD and IOF position is to recommend the use of a surrogate country
[31]. Efforts should be made towards acquiring such data and producing reliable and validated
models. FRAX is available in phone and hand held calculators and also in paper charts for
practices that are not fully computerized.
Vitamin D deficiency is common in the MENA region despite the abundance of sunshine [32].
Significant vitamin D deficiency might be associated with osteoporosis [8-10,32-33]. In our
survey, universal screening for vitamin D deficiency seems not to be in the majority of practice
in the MENA region. Vitamin D supplementation is safe and cheap for patients with
osteoporotic fractures, and is recommended, if vitamin D deficiency is present, by several
international guidelines [34-36]. Some of the respondents in our survey screen none or only
selected osteoporotic patients using metabolic blood tests. However, finding contributing
factors of osteoporosis for the individual patient is crucial for initiating adequate treatment
[38]. The main reasons cited by the survey respondents who did not routinely screen for
secondary causes in their patients with osteoporosis were lack of knowledge which test to cost
and lack of perceived relevance. These beliefs are ill-founded may lead physicians to take
wrong management decisions. Poor investigation and treatment rates for osteoporosis have
already been shown to be present in many countries [ 24], and constitute a major barrier to
improving patients’ outomes.
Recent concerns have been raised of long-term use of bisphosphonate [11, 37,38]. Over 90%
of the respondents in our survey were aware of these new concerns and have reported having
made changes in their real practice. Similar findings were reported by the recent surveys [14,
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15]. In order to guarantee individually matched treatment, options should exist for sufficient
choice amongst several anti-osteoporotic drugs. In this survey, the availability of different anti-
osteoporosis medications was reassuring. The fact that bisphosphonates (both oral and
parenteral) are most accessible to the surveyed health care professionals concur with current
recommendations for osteoporosis treatment [18, 38]. A recent report provided comprehensive
guidance on BP therapy duration with a risk-benefit perspective [11], and underscored that 5
years of bisphosphonate use would prevent 160 fractures for each potential AFF incurred.
The biggest barrier was lack of physician and patient awareness almost to an equal extent. This
is partly in line with the Korean survey which showed that lack of patients’ awareness was
considered by physicians as the biggest barrier [15]. However, this is at variance with two
previous studies, both of which reported that cost of treatment was the biggest barrier in the
USA and Asia-Pacific region [14, 39]. Perhaps, the low awareness amongst physicians and
patients creates a falsely low demand environment that masked the cost issue which was the
third biggest barrier identified by the survey respondents. These were followed by concerns
about the safety of medications and restrictions. These findings indicate the urgent need for
educational programs for both patients and physicians.
Some limitations of this study need to be acknowledged. The major limitation, is our sample
is the lack of representativeness of practitioners in the MENA region at large, and that it was
heavily represented by 3 countries, mostly with urban practices, that were university bases in
half of the participants. Also, it is a survey of perception and self-reported practices of
physicians rather than an audit/quality assurance exercise of processes and outcomes of actual
patient populations. However, such model is being increasingly used to gain insight into
physicians’ knowledge, attitudes and practices in many fields of health care, and may represent
a surrogate measure of quality of care particularly in clinical conditions where physicians are
the main drivers of the care. The lack of homogeneity of the respondents may impair the
validity of data on availability of resources as these are country-specific representations and
cannot be readily pooled. Comparison between countries was only exploratory and revealed
more consistent adherence to the country specific FRAX Model in Lebanon than the in UAE
and KSA [Appendix 2]. Indeed, 96% of Lebanese participants were aware of FRAX, a finding
explained by the fact that the Lebanese National Osteoporosis guidelines incorporated FRAX
into their risk assessment strategy as of 2013 [17], as recognized by 81% of participants.
Therefore, FRAX was used by 87% of survey respondents, reflecting the intensity of
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osteoporosis FRAX-based guideline dissemination sessions in Lebanon since their launch.
More cost-consciousness was observed in the Lebanese respondents and adherence to
regulatory and provider restrictions in Lebanon and UAE than in KSA. Trans-national surveys
have previously been criticized as not the ideal method to assess the modalities of osteoporosis
care and how the resources available for its care are being utilized [12,13]. However, our survey
was an opportunistic exercise building on the common characteristics of the countries of the
region (2). The high access to all types of medications more readily available to the Lebanese
respondents could reflect the relatively higher proportion of specialists likely to treat
osteoporosis.
Comparisons of practice patterns in the MENA region Korea and Asia was possible for
responses pertaining to common questions posed specifically on utilization of densitometry
and FRAX® for risk assessment and to management of osteoporosis [Appendix 3]. Although
the endocrinologists in all three surveys were fairly well represented, the proportionately more
primary care respondents and less orthopedic surgeons in our survey may have influenced the
responses since responses would reflect physicians with less “hands on” acute fracture care and
fracture liaison services. The lower volume and the complexity of osteoporosis care (new
fragility fractures and referral for DXA) in the MENA group than in the Korean and Asian
groups may suggest either a wide spread of osteoporotic patients between specialties or a
limited number of respondents undertaking a leading role in osteoporosis care. Both of these
observations call for more centers of excellence of bone health in the MENA region to enable
accumulation of expertise to deal with more complex cases. Despite differences in some
perceived barriers to optimal care between the three groups, the contribution from low
awareness of patients and physicians remained equally important calling for more education
and of patients and physicians.
More respondents would measure vitamin D and other biochemical parameters but do less
assessment of BMD (and personal review of the images) in the MENA respondents than the
other two studies. The overall awareness and utility of FRAX was lower in our study than in
the other two studies but this was not true for all the countries in the region. The latter calls
for more involvement and training of clinicians to undertake roles in reading and interpretation
of DXA scans of their patients.
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The survey findings did however provide an overall “birds’ eye” view of the state of affairs
that is existent in the MENA region with regard to the osteoporosis care. It provided an insight
into the current diagnostic and treatment resources, perceptions and practices, explored the
awareness and utilization and of FRAX® and identified some important barriers to
osteoporosis care in the MENA region. It may be useful in guiding future educational initiatives
for both patients and physicians. Eight years after the launch of the IOF Middle East/Africa
osteoporosis audit [2], some of the determinants of care gaps identified in audit are still present.
Based on these findings, the two main potential action plans to close the care gap, and improve
osteoporosis care should target professional education, patients’ awareness and enhancing
insurance coverage and improved patients’ access, introducing established osteoporosis
management care pathways and good clinical practices coupled with ongoing quality assurance
programs to monitor progress. Engaging stakeholder physicians and patient societies would be
instrumental to reach that goal.
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Acknowledgment:
The authors would like to express their gratitude to all colleagues who shared their expertise
and opinions by participating in the survey.
Disclosures:
Authors’ contributions:
SAB and GEHF conceived the study and developed the questionnaire. All 3 authors acquired,
compiled and analyzed the data, wrote the manuscript and approved its final version.
Funding:
This study received no funding
Conflict of interest:
None of the authors has any conflicts of interest that may jeopardize the credibility of the
study.
Compliance with ethical principles:
The study was approved by the by the Institutional review board of Sheikh Khalifa Medical
City, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Informed consent was obtained electronically from all individual
participants prior to proceeding to the study. Lack of consent terminates the survey
automatically. All data were extracted and analyzed anonymously.
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Table 1. The five domains of the survey and their corresponding questions.
1. Demography and
professional profile:
Q1-Q9
Confirmation of eligibility an electronic consent, country of practice,
gender and age group. specialty, professional grade, type, nature and
locality of practice,
2. Profile of respondents
clinical practice:
Q10-Q13
Existence of national osteoporosis management guidelines? Do you see
and treat patients with osteoporosis? How many patients with
osteoporosis do you currently see and treat per month? Who is the typical
osteoporotic patient you see?
3. Resource availability
and utilization
Q14-Q19
Do you assess bone density in your patients? What kind of densitometry
device do you have access to in your clinical practice? Who does the
reporting of bone densitometry in your practice? If the reporting of bone
densitometry is done by a physician other than yourself, do you look at
the scan/printout and confirm the reporting physician's findings?
4. Risk assessment and
screening for secondary
osteoporosis:
Q20-Q29
Do you classify your patients with osteoporosis into risk groups? Have
you heard of FRAX ® prior to today? Do you use FRAX ® in your
practice? If you have heard of FRAX ® but don't use it in your practice,
what is the main reason you don't use it? If your country has osteoporosis
treatment guidelines, has FRAX ® been incorporated into the guidelines?
Do you screen for vitamin D sufficiency status in your patients with
osteoporosis and fragility fractures? Do you routinely obtain blood tests
before initiating treatment with anti-osteoporosis agents in your patients?
If you don't obtain blood tests, what is the reason?
5. Management and
barrier to osteoporosis care
Q30-Q34
What medications are available in your country for the treatment of
osteoporosis? Are you aware of concerns about side effects associated
with bisphosphonate use? If you are aware of the recent concerns about
side effects associated with bisphosphonate use, has this awareness
changed your management practice? If your practice with regard to
prescribing bisphosphonates has changed, how has it changed? What do
you perceive as the biggest barrier to osteoporosis care in your
practice/country?
The full version of the survey is available online [Appendix 1].
Table 1 Click here to access/download;Table;MENA OsteoporosisSurvey - Table 1 - Final.docx
Table 2. Demographic and professional profiles of respondents and clinical practice characteristics
Characteristic (N responders) Response options Numbera Per cent (%)a
A. Demographic Characteristics
Country of Residence/Practice
(572)
United Arab Emirates 207 36.2%
Saudi Arabia 143 25.0%
Lebanon 78 13.6%
Rest of Gulf + Iraq 69 12.1%
North Africa 50 8.7%
Pakistan and Iran 20 3.5%
Age (years)
(571)
20–40 168 32.5%
41–50 190 33.3%
51–60 141 24.7%
Above 60 54 9.5%
Gender (571) Male : Female 332 : 239 58 % : 42%
Locality of practice:
(572)
Small town 54 9.4%
Large city 518 90.6%
B. Professional profiles of respondents
Type of profession: (570) Treating/Non-Treating HCP 534/36 93.7%/6.3%
Type of clinical practice:
(569)
Teaching hospital 328 57.6%
Community hospital 115 20.2%
Private practice 87 15.3%
Research- based 10 1.8%
Primary Care 24 4.2%
Other 5 0.9%
Clinical specialty:
(570)
Endocrinology 180 31.6%
Family practice 116 20.4%
General IM 68 11.9%
IM + endocrine interest 44 7.7%
Gynecology 33 5.8%
Specialist IM 31 5.4%
Rheumatology 27 4.7%
Table 2 Click here to access/download;Table;MENA OsteoporosisSurvey - Table 2 - Final.docx
Orthopedics 17 2.3%
Physical medicine 9 1.6%
Others 45 7.8.%
Professional grade: (570) Consultant 313 54.9%
Specialist/Fellow 165 29.0%
Resident 46 8.1%
Other grades 46 8.1%
C. Clinical practice characteristics:
Do you treat osteoporosis? (564) Yes 466 82.6%
No 98 17.4%
Number of osteoporotic patients seen
per month: (466)
Less than 10 261 56.3%
10–20 129 27.8%
21–50 46 9.9%
51–100 21 4.5%
More than 100 7 1.5%
Type of patients seen: (460)
Referred for DXA 28 6.1%
Already diagnosed 135 29.4%
New fragility fracture 26 5.7%
All of the above 271 58.9%
Does your country have osteoporosis
management guidelines? (571)
Yes 278 48.7%
No 174 25.7%
Not sure 146 25.6%
If you have osteoporosis guidelines;
has FRAX® been incorporated in it
(481)
Yes 132 24.7%
No 93 19.3%
Do not know 256 53.2%
a: Responses are expressed as absolute numbers as well as adjusted percentages (calculated per individual
questions). HCP= Health care professional; IM= Internal medicine; DXA= Dual energy X-ray
Absorptiometry.
Table 3. Utilization of densitometry and FRAX® for risk assessment and management of osteoporosis.
Characteristic (responders) Details of answer options Number Per cent
Do you classify your patients with osteoporosis into risk
groups? (526)
Yes 416 79.1%
No 110 29.9%
Do you assess bone density in your patients? (535) Yes 441 82.4%
No 94 18.6%
Who does the reporting of bone densitometry in your
practice? (527)
Myself 96 18.2%
Another physician 449 85.2%
Specialty of who reports bone densitometry in your
practice? (530)
Radiologist 441 83.2%
Endocrinologist 76 14.3%
Rheumatologist 65 12.3%
Clinical physicist 30 5.7%
Have you heard of FRAX® prior to today? (532) Yes 345 64.8%
No 187 35.2%
Do you use FRAX® in your practice? (532) Yes 244 42.2%
No 307 57.8%
If you use FRAX® in your practice, how do you use it?
(223)b
With risk factors alone 13 5.6%
Risk factors +BMD 88 39.5%
Both possibilities 122 54.7%
If you use FRAX® in your practice, which country model
do you use?
(221)b
Lebanon 104 47.1%
Jordan 59 26.7%
USA/UK 19/8 8.6%/3.6%
Tunisia /Morocco/Palestine 6/4/4 2.7%/1.8%/1.8%
Otherc 17 7.7%
Screening for vitamin D status in patients with
osteoporosis? (521)
Yes 497 95.4%
No 24 4.6%
Routine blood tests before initiating anti-osteoporosis
treatment? (514)
Yes 455 88.5%
Nod 59 11.5%
Awareness of concerns about side effects of
bisphosphonates? (505)
Yes 467 92.5%
No 38 7.5%
If aware, has this awareness changed management practice?
(461)
Yes 336 72.9%
No 125 27.1%
a:Absolute numbers as well as adjusted percentages (calculated per question) are presented b: Only responses from those who
confirmed using FRAX in their practice were included. c: Some responses included non-existing models. d: relevant details in
figure.
Table 3 Click here to access/download;Table;MENA OsteoporosisSurvey - Table 3 - Final.docx
Figure 1. Reported access to diagnostic and therapeutic facilities for management of
osteoporosis in the MENA region: A. access to bone densitometry devices and B. access to
anti-osteoporotic medications (n=502). Results are adjusted as percentage of total responses
to the given questions. In both questions, multiple answers were possible. DXA dual-energy
X-ray absorptiometry, SERMs = Selective estrogen receptor modulators.
Figure 1 Click here to access/download;Figure;MENA OsteoporosisSurvey - Figure 1 - Final.docx
Figure 2 Click here to access/download;Figure;MENA Osteoporosis Survey - Figure 2 - Final.docx
Figure 2: Reported patterns of certain osteoporosis management practices: A. Reasons for not using fracture-risk assessment (FRAX) tool (n=296), B.
Reasons for not screening for secondary osteoporosis (n=57) and C. changes in practices in prescribing of bisphosphonates (n=336). D. Perceived
barriers to good osteoporosis care in the MENA region countries from all surveyed physicians (501). Responses are expressed as percentages (adjusted
for the total responses to individual questions).
Management of Osteoporosis in the Middle East and North Africa: A Survey of Physicians’
Perceptions and Practices.
Salem A Beshyah, Yousef Al-Saleh, Ghada El-Hajj Fuleihan
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL
Appendix 1. The actual questions and layout of the survey questionnaire as it appears on the survey
monkey website. Logic is included in question 1 so that only those who provide an informed consent
may proceed to the rest of the questions. The survey instrument is developed de novo mostly based on
review of the literature and two previously published studies with similar objectives. See the methods
section for more details.
Supplementary Material 1 Click here to access/download;Supplementary Material;MENAOsteoporosis Survey-Suppl Mat- Appendix 1 Final.pdf
Management of Osteoporosis in the Middle East and North Africa: A
Survey of Physicians’ Perceptions and Practices.
Salem A Beshyah, Yousef Al-Saleh, Ghada El-Hajj Fuleihan
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL
Appendix 2. Comparisons of Practice Patterns in The Three countries with the largest number of
respondents: United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Lebanon. Results are presented as
the relative frequencies (%).
Question theme* (Numbers
of responses)
Response options* UAE
(Total: 207)
KSA
(Total:143)
Lebanon
(Total: 78)
P-value
Respondents’ gender
(206, 143, 77)
Men 54.4% 62.9% 49.3% χ2> 4.385 0.112
Women 45.6% 39.1% 50.7%
Respondents’ age
(207, 143, 78)
<30 years 10.1% 3.5% 6.4%
χ2>36.763 0.001
31-40 years 17.9% 40.0% 37.2%
41–50 years 38.2% 32.2% 18.0%
51-60 years 23.2% 20.3% 28.2%
>60 years 10.6% 3.5% 10.3%
Clinical specialty:
(207, 140,78)
Endocrinology 16.9% 45% 44.9%
χ2>56.836 P=0.000
Family practice 25.1% 23.6% 25.6%
General Medicine 21.7% 8.5% -
GIM w endo interest 10.6% - -
Gynecology 6.8% 3.6% 7.7%
Specialist IM 5.3% 6.4% -
Rheumatology 0.5% 0.7% 12.8%
Orthopedics 1.9% 2.1% 6.4%
Physical medicine 2.4% 1.4% 1.3%
Others 6.8% 1.4% 1.3%
Professional grades
(207,141,78)
Seniors 33.3% 61.7% 70.5% χ2>43.692 P=0.000
Mid-grade 34.3% 30.7% 23.1%
Junior and others 32.4% 11.8% 6.4%
Locality of practice:
(206, 141, 78)
Small town 15.1% 5.6% 11.5 % -
Large city 84.9 % 94.4 % 88.5 %
Treating Physician?
(207, 141, 78)
Yes 92.7 % 93.6 % 96.2 % -
No 7.3 % 6.4 % 3.9 %
Type of facility:
(207, 141, 78)
University 44.4 % 63.6 % 59.0 %
χ2>20.871 P=0.002
Community hospital 25.1 % 23.6 % 12.8 %
Private practice 19.3 % 5.7 % 26.9 %
Research- based 2.4 % 1.4 % 0 %
Primary Care 7.3 % 5.0 % 0 %
Other 1.5 % 0.7 % 1.3 %
Do you treat osteoporosis?
(203, 142, 78)
Yes 74.4 % 83.1 % 97.4 % χ2>20.246
P=0.000
Number of osteoporotic
patients seen per month:
Less than 10 72.5% 59.7 % 49.4 % χ2>15.01
P=0.0047 10–20 18.7% 25.2 % 35.1 %
Supplementary Material 2 Click here to access/download;Supplementary Material;MENAOsteoporosis Survey-Suppl Mat- Appendix 2 Final.docx
Question theme* (Numbers
of responses)
Response options* UAE
(Total: 207)
KSA
(Total:143)
Lebanon
(Total: 78)
P-value
(193, 139, 78) 21–50 4.7 % 7.9 % 11.7 % Tested for:
<10,10-20
& >20) 51–100 3.6 % 5.8 % 1.3 %
More than 100 0.5 % 1.4 % 2.6 %
Type of patients seen:
(191, 139, 76)
Referred for DXA 5.8 % 2.9 % 4.0 %
χ2>10.72
P=0.098
Already diagnosed 44.0 % 30.9 % 30.3 %
New fragility
fracture
3.4 % 5.0 % 5.3 %
All of the above 46.6 % 61.2 % 60.5 %
Do you assess BMD in
your patients? (186, 139,
77)
Yes 72.6 % 88.5 % 96.1 % χ2>26.10
P= 0.000
What BMD assessment
device do you have access
to?
(187,136,76)
Central DXA 47.1% 64.0% 72.4% -
Peripheral DXA 15.5% 8.8% 11.8% -
No access 11.8% 3.7% 1.32% -
Not sure 22.5% 22.1% 14.5% -
What is the cost of a BMD
scan in your institution?
(187,136,76)
Not sure 80.1% 80.3% 19.7% χ2>104.499 P=0.0000
25-50 USD 2.7% 1.5% 7.9% -
50-75 USD 3.2% 2.2% 21.1% -
75-100 USD 3.2% 2.3% 25.0% -
100-150 USD 6.5% 6.6% 23.7% -
Who reports BMD in your
practice? (182, 137, 76)
Myself 12.6 % 12.4 % 25.0 % χ2>6.88 p=0.032
Another physician 90.1 % 89.8 % 80.3 %
Specialty of those who
reports of BMD? (183,
137, 77)
Radiologist 91.3 % 97.1 % 54.6 % χ2>82.1
P=0.000 Endocrinologist 5.5% 8.8% 49.4% χ2>92.7
P=0.000
Clinical physicist 6.6% 3.7% 0% -
Rheumatologist 4.4% 2.9% 28.6% -
Looking at scans to
confirm findings?
(183, 136, 77)
Yes 58.5 % 58.8 % 90.9 % χ2>28.4
P=0.000
Awareness of the FRAX®
(186, 139, 74)
Yes 58.1% 66.9 % 96.0 % χ2>35.17
P=0.000
Do you have osteoporosis
guidelines in your country?
(206, 142, 78)
Yes 40.3% 62.7% 83.3% χ2>49.29
P=0.001 No 24.3% 12.0% 2.6%
Not sure 35.4% 25.4% 14.2%
Do your guidelines
incorporate FRAX?
(186, 128, 74)
Yes 20.2% 18.0 % 81.1% χ2>121.1
P=0.000 No 10.1% 26.6 % 2.7 %
Do not know 69.6% 55.5% 16.2.0%
Use of FRAX® in practice:
(106, 137, 77)
Yes 31.5% 38.7% 87.0% χ2>70.70
P=0.000
How do you use FRAX?
(106, 136, 68)
With risk factors
only
4.7 % 3.9 % 4.4 %
χ2>1.794)
P=0.7737 Risk factors and
BMD
28.3 % 37.7 % 32.4 %
Either as available 67.0 % 58.4 % 63.2 %
Question theme* (Numbers
of responses)
Response options* UAE
(Total: 207)
KSA
(Total:143)
Lebanon
(Total: 78)
P-value
If you do not use FRAX;
Why? (108, 69, 13)
Do not know how 45.4% 39.1 % 0 % -
No country-model 28.7% 29.0 % 7.7% -
Tool not applicable 20.4 24.6 % 23.1 % -
Too busy to do it 17.6 % 17.4 % 53.9 % χ2>9.658
P=0.0080 No internet in clinic 4.6 % 14.5 % 23.1 % -
Other reasons 4.6 % 1.5 % 0 -
Do you classify your OP
patients into risk groups?
(181, 136, 77)
Yes 76.2 % 75.0 % 94.8 % χ2>13.91
P= 0.001
Screening for vitamin D
status? (177, 136, 76)
Yes 96.6 % 95.0 % 100 % P=0.187
Screening for secondary
osteoporosis? (175, 136,
75)
Yes 89.7% 91.2 % 89.3 % P=0.880
If you don't obtain blood
tests before initiating
treatment with anti-
osteoporosis agents; what
is the reason?
(84, 70, 25)
Not sure 14.3 12.9 % 8.0 % χ2>4.649
P<0.098
[For cost only]
Cost 16.7 10.0 % 28.0%
Patient refusal 9.5 % 7.1 % 8.0 %
Lack of time 4.8 % 2.9 % 8.0 %
Interpretation is
difficult
2.4 % 0 % 0 %
Irrelevant 3.6 % 5.7% 16.0%
What medications are
available in your country
for the treatment of
osteoporosis?
(164, 134, 76)
Oral BP’s 96.3 % 97.0 % 100 % χ2>2.749;
P=0.253 Intravenous BP’s 65.2 % 62.7 % 90.8 % χ2>20.59;
P=0.000 SERMS 50.6 % 51.5 % 90.8 % χ2>40.848
P=0.000
Denosumab 42.7 % 50.0 % 64.5% χ2>9.87;
P=0.0072
Teriparatide 41.5 % 50.0 % 84.2 % χ2>38.98;
P=0.000
Intranasal calcitonin 32.9 % 30.6 % 84.2% χ2>68.02;
P=0.000
Strontium Ranelate 31.7 % 28.4 5 88.2 % χ2>70.70;
P=0.000
Awareness of concerns
about bisphosphonates
(BP) safety? (168, 133, 76)
Yes 89.9 % 94.0 % 98.7% χ2>6.56;
P=0.0375
Have you changed your BP
prescribing practices? (159,
133, 76)
Yes 72.3 % 78.6 % 68.4 % χ2 > 2.891;
P=0.2356
What are changes made in
BP prescribing?
(155, 123, 69)
Re-evaluate >5yrs 47.1 % 61.8 % 73.9 % χ2>6.102
P=0.0473
Change > 2 years 17.4 % 23.6 % 7.3 % χ2>6.624
P=0.0364 Change > 5 years 10.3 % 17.1 % 18.8 %
Stopped prescribing 3.2 % 4.1 % 2.9 % -
Patients' awareness 47.9 % 60.7 % 53.3 % -
Question theme* (Numbers
of responses)
Response options* UAE
(Total: 207)
KSA
(Total:143)
Lebanon
(Total: 78)
P-value
The perceived biggest
barriers to osteoporosis
care in respondents’
practice or country?
(165, 132, 75)
Doctors' awareness 47.3 % 66.7 % 68.0 % -
Costs of medications 33.9 % 22.7 % 58.7 % χ2 >27.305
P=0.0000 Restrictions by
funders
30.9 % 9.1 % 29.3 % χ2>23.687
P=0.000
Medications’ safety
concerns
30.3 % 26.5 % 28.0 % -
Medications’
effectiveness
concerns
12.1 % 21.2 % 17.3 %
Lack of time 10.9% 17.4 % 6.7 %
Others 3.0 % 2.3 % 4.0 %
* Some of the responses were condensed for space reasons. The full text of all questions and
possible responses is in Supplementary Material Appendix 1 and Table 1.
Management of Osteoporosis in the Middle East and North Africa: A Survey of Physicians’
Perceptions and Practices.
Salem A Beshyah, Yousef Al-Saleh, Ghada El-Hajj Fuleihan
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL
Appendix 3. Comparisons of Practice Patterns in the MENA, Korea and Asia.
The survey responses pertaining to utilization of densitometry and FRAX® for risk assessment and to
management of osteoporosis. Data are adjusted as percentages for the individual questions. MENA
region data are from the present study, Korean and Asian data are derived from references a and d below.
Only findings readily available comparable data available in all three studies were included in the
comparison. Comparisons where possible were made using Chi2 statistics.
Characteristic Answer options MENA
(n=573)
Koreaa
(n=100)
Asiab
(n=247)
P-Value
Respondents’ age (years)
20–40 33% 49% 38%
χ2>21.048 P=0.0018
41–50 33% 37% 34%
51–60 25% 12% 23%
61 or above 9% 2% 6%
Locality of practice: Small town 9% - 7% χ2>0.846
P=0.3577 Large city 91% - 93%
Type of facility: University hospital 58% 61% 62%
χ2>10.074
P=0.0065
For university
and district
categories
District hospital 20% 23% 11%
Private practice 15% - 32%
Primary care 4% - -
Research and other 3% 16% 2%
Clinical specialty:
Endocrinology 40% 34% 23%
χ2>200.81;
P=0.000
Family practice 20% 9% 6%
Internal medicine 25% 6% 5%
Gynecology 6% 8% 6%
Musculo-skeletal
medicine
9% 41% 48%
Others 8% 2% 7%
< 10 61% 14% 21%
Supplementary Material 3 Click here to access/download;Supplementary Material;MENAOsteoporosis Survey-Suppl Mat- Appendix 3 Final.docx
Characteristic Answer options MENA
(n=573)
Koreaa
(n=100)
Asiab
(n=247)
P-Value
Number of osteoporotic
patients seen per month:
10–20 24% 24% 29% χ2>198.713;
P=0.000 21–50 9% 35% 25%
51–100 4% 14% 14%
> 100 1% 11% 11%
Type of patients seen:
Referred for DXA 7% 17% 10%
_ Already diagnosed 34% 26% 23%
New fragility fracture 6% 15% 14%
All of the above 54% 38% 60%
Do you assess BMD in
your patients?
Yes 82% 99% 94% χ2>32.379
P= 0.0000
Who reports BMD in
your practice?
Myself 18% 78% 25% χ2>167.51
P=0.000
(For myself)
Another physician 85% 22% 75%
If not reporting, do you
Look at scans to confirm
findings?
YesC 61% 91% 84% χ2>52.79
P= 0.000
Awareness of the
FRAX® tool:
Yes 65% 88% 76% χ2>27.205
P=0.000
Use FRAX® in practice: Yesd 42% 93% 62% χ2>87.515,
P=0.000
Screening for vitamin D
status?
Yes 95% 59% 25% χ2>418.62
P=0.000
Screening for secondary
osteoporosis?
Yes 89% 52% 36% χ2>418.620
P=0.0000
Reasons for not
screening for secondary
osteoporosis
(56,48,89)
Not sure what test? 32.0% - -
Think it is irrelevant 16.1% 19.0% 45.0%
Cost factors 25% 35.0% 40.0%
Patients refusal 3.6% 17.0% 7.0%
Interpretation difficult 3.6% 13.0% 5.0%
No time 0.5% 17.0% 3.0%
Characteristic Answer options MENA
(n=573)
Koreaa
(n=100)
Asiab
(n=247)
P-Value
Awareness of concerns
about BP safety?
Yes 93% 99% 96% χ2>8.416
P=0.015
Changes in BP
prescribing?
Yese 73% 83% 63% χ2>13.85
P= 0.000
Nature of changes in BP
prescribing?
(339,83,156)
Re-evaluation >5 yrs 61.4% 61.0% 60.0%
Not different Change >5 yrs 13.9% 23.0% 8.0%
Change > 2 yrs 21.5% NA 20.0%
Stopped prescribing 4.1% 1% 5.0%
Perceived Barriers to
osteoporosis care
(501, 100, 247)
Cost 37.3% 28.0% 79.0%
Patient awareness 54.5% 50.0% -
Doctor awareness 52.9% 47.0% -
Restrictions by
funding/regulator
20.2% 47.0% -
Lack of time 11.8% 3.0% -
Safety concerns 24.2% 22.0% -
Effectiveness concerns 14.4% 17.0% -
a. Ha YC, Lee YK, Lim YT, Jang SM, Shin CS. Physicians’ attitudes to contemporary issues
on osteoporosis management in Korea. J Bone Metab 2014; 21:143-149
b. Korthoewer D, Chandran M. Osteoporosis management and the utilization of FRAX®: a
survey amongst health care professionals of the Asia Pacific. Arch Osteoporosis 2012; 7 (1-
2):193-200
c: If reports made by others; d: if aware of FRAX and e: if aware of safety concerns.
Authorship & Disclosure form
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Authorship_&_Disclosure_form -OI-Beshyah.pdf