Assessment of Hafr Albatin University female workers' knowledge and health related behaviors regarding osteoporosis

Abstract

Background and aim: Osteoporosis is a global and preventable public health problem considered as a potentially life threatening condition and having negative effects on both health and economics. The aim of this study was the assessment of Hafr Albatin University female workers' knowledge and health related behaviors regarding osteoporosis.

Methods: A descriptive exploratory research design was implemented. Setting: The study was conducted in a college. The sample was of convenience. There were 352 women working at the college at the time of data collection. Tools: self-administrative questionnaire consisted of three parts: Part I: sociodemographic data, Part II: women's osteoporosis health related behaviors. Part III: knowledge related to osteoporosis.

Results: About 50.9% of the participants had moderate level of overall knowledge about osteoporosis. Only 13.7% of the participants reported the source of their knowledge was a physician. Regarding osteoporosis related health behaviors, less than one third (29.7%) of the participants were consuming foods rich in calcium, but the majority of them consumed this food only 1-2 time per week and 30.3% of them were exposed to sunlight daily. 58.2% of the participants were drinking soda drinks daily and 83.4% were having coffee frequently.

Conclusions: Women had moderate level of overall knowledge about osteoporosis and there was a gap between knowledge and applying the related health behaviors. Where the women had information about the health and risk related behaviors but not follow this information in correct and accurate way. Recommendation: Prevention programmes should be designed to increase awareness of working women about osteoporosis. screening, prevention and treatment.