AMGEN Launches "Stronger Together" Campaign

The campaign's initial focus addresses osteoporosis, a condition that remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in many parts of the world, leading to loss of function and independence.

Women are invited to visit www.birliktegucluyuz.info to access information and educational tools that will enable them and other women in their lives to achieve better health.

This month, as we celebrate International Women's Day, Amgen is launching the 'Together We Are Strong' campaign in Turkey to shed light on critical women's health issues including bone health, heart health, and cancer. Women rely heavily on health information obtained from family members and friends, making these fundamental information sources play an important role in motivating women to take action. The campaign aims to facilitate and improve these discussions and provide easy-to-understand health information and tools to enable women to become stronger together on their journey toward healthier living. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, some women have had to postpone or even cancel routine medical care, which is why campaigns focused on women's health are becoming increasingly important.[iii] Research shows that due to long-standing inequalities and social differences, women were hit much harder than men during the pandemic, found themselves in caregiving roles, and faced greater difficulties in caring for themselves. Güldem Berkman, General Manager of Amgen Turkey and Gensenta, stated: "Amgen has long been engaged in global efforts focused on improving women's health. Our recent international research found that women have some basic health knowledge but are not sufficiently informed about available tools to turn this knowledge into action." She added: "Through the 'Together We Are Strong' campaign, we are committed to helping women take the right steps to protect their health and to encourage discussions on this topic among women—in their families, social groups, and across generations."

The campaign, prioritizing osteoporosis and bone health, has released the results of a study covering 300 women. The findings revealed that the majority of women in Turkey (94%) recognize that bone health plays an important role in maintaining independence, and one in two women (49%) have not discussed bone health with their doctor because they were not concerned.

Dr. Aylin Löle, Founder of Awen For Us, stated: "We know that women have to undertake unpaid domestic labor due to gender-based roles, but it has become clearly evident during the pandemic that they often neglect their own health. Amgen's 'Together We Are Strong' campaign will serve as an important reminder for women to protect their health and to support one another, especially during times when women's access to health resources and information is more limited." Awen For Us is partnering with Amgen to disseminate important campaign information to women in Turkey. Osteoporosis is a serious health condition that is often underdiagnosed. It is estimated that one in three Turkish women has osteoporosis. Many patients who experience a bone fracture may not be diagnosed and treated for osteoporosis, the underlying cause of the fracture. Following a fracture, 40% of patients cannot walk independently and 80% struggle with daily activities such as driving and grocery shopping. Beyond physical limitations, osteoporosis and fractures can significantly affect women's mental and emotional health.⁶

Findings from the Together We Are Strong Women's Health Study⁵

The research revealed noteworthy findings about how women in Turkey view bone health and the challenges they face.

• Women can recognize early signs of osteoporosis: Most women are aware that among the early signs of declining bone health are easily broken bones (88%), height loss over time (87%), and back pain (71%).

• When it comes to screening tools, awareness exists but action rates are lower: Although three-quarters of women (73%) say that bone density screenings are important for understanding bone health, 60% had never been screened.

• Most women have never completed a fracture risk assessment*: 45% of women surveyed had never heard of or undergone a fracture risk assessment; 20% had heard of it but never had one. Those who had undergone a fracture risk assessment made up 10% of the group.

• Despite the prevalence of osteoporosis and the role of family history, the topic is rarely discussed: Only one in ten respondents (12%) said they discuss health matters with family and friends.

• Trust in doctors is high but important women's health topics may not be regularly addressed: Nearly all surveyed women (98%) said they view their doctors or health professionals as the most reliable source of information. However, approximately one in five women (19%) who had not discussed bone health with their doctor noted that their doctor had not brought up the topic previously.

  Women should discuss bone health with their doctors at their next appointment and encourage other women in their lives to take proactive steps to improve their bone health. The campaign invites women to participate in a new physical activity in the Breakout Challenge to help improve their health and to share photos and videos on social media using the #BirlikteGüçlüyüz hashtag.   For more information on how to participate and to access tools for discussing women's health with your doctor, family members, and friends, visit www.birliktegucluyuz.info. The Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) evaluates a person's risk of experiencing an osteoporosis-related fracture within the next 10 years and uses a formula that accounts for age, weight, sex, smoking history, alcohol use, and fracture history.  

References:

[i] International Osteoporosis Foundation. Epidemiology. https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/health-professionals/fragility-fractures/epidemiology. Accessed in 2021.

[ii] Bidmon S, Terlutter R. Gender Differences in Searching for Health Information on the Internet and the Virtual Patient-Physician Relationship in Germany: Exploratory Results on How Men and Women Differ and Why. J Med Internet Res. 2015;17(6):e156. Published 22 June 2015. doi:10.2196/jmir.4127

[iii] Ateev Mehrotra et al. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Outpatient Care: Visits Return to Prepandemic Levels, but Not for All Providers and Patients (Commonwealth Fund, October 2020). https://doi.org/10.26099/41xy-9m57

[iv] Simba H and Ngcobo S. Are pandemics gender neutral? Women's health and COVID-19. Front. Glob. Womens Health, 19 October 2020 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fgwh.2020.570666

[v] Kantar Health Study. Unpublished data. 2021.

[vi] International Osteoporosis Foundation. About Osteoporosis. https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/about-osteoporosis. Accessed in 2021.

[vii] International Osteoporosis Foundation. Key statistics for the Middle East and Africa. https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/facts-statistics/key-statistic-for-middle-east-and-africa. Accessed in 2021.