Postmenopausal and senile osteoporosis, knowledge, diagnosis and prevention with public lectures

Description

Background. We suggested a programme of public lectures given by associations (Coldiretti, Federcasalinghe) and by doctors specialised in various fields of medicine to increase awareness of primary osteoporosis (type 1 and 2) in Friuli-Venezia-Giulia (Italy). Methods. A number of areas the region were involved and we asked the National Health units to submit guidelines regarding the tests used, the reference centres, the recommended age for the first test and the advised follow-up. These requests were sent to 6 National Health units, 3 hospitals and 1 university hospital. Only 3 replies were received, each of which outlined a different protocol. Results. In view of the considerable interest in this subject, above all among the female population, we felt that the response given by the health authorities was inadequate and lacked a shared protocol. Conclusions. We confirm the value of the role played by public associations in increasing awareness of osteoporosis, a problem that has not yet been given due consideration by the health authorities, especially in the preventive phase.

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