International Journal of COPD
The Recognition-to-Practice Gap: Physicians’ Approaches to Osteoporosis Assessment and Management in COPD
By Rayan A. Siraj, Aminah Mengash, Maryam M. Almulhem and 12 others.
Abstract
Background
Osteoporosis is a common yet frequently under-recognised comorbidity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), yet its integration into routine COPD care remains poorly understood. This study evaluated physicians’ perceptions, confidence, clinical practices, perceived barriers, and factors associated with routine osteoporosis risk assessment.
Methods
A national cross-sectional survey of general practitioners, pulmonologists, and critical care physicians practising in Saudi Arabia between October 2025 and March 2026 was conducted. The questionnaire assessed physicians’ perceptions, confidence, osteoporosis-related clinical practices, and perceived barriers. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with routine osteoporosis risk assessment.