Investigation of Knowledge, Belief, and Practice of Osteoporosis Prevention in Adolescent Girls of Zabol

Somayeh Bagheri; Fahimeh Moghadam; Marzieh Arefi; Leili Rezaie Kahkha

doi:10.18502/jzms.v5i2.10606

Somayeh Bagheri Instructor, Department of Public Health, School of Health, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
Fahimeh Moghadam Instructor, Environmental Health Engineering Department, School of Health, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
Marzieh Arefi Instructor, Health Services Management Department, School of Health, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
Leili Rezaie Kahkha Associate Professor, Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Health, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jzms.v5i2.10606

Keywords: Osteoporosis, Awareness, Belief, Practice

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is an important health issue due to its high prevalence. This disease is three times more common in women than in men. This study aimed at determining the level of knowledge, belief, and practice of osteoporosis prevention in adolescent girls.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Zabol in 2020, and 370 adolescent girls from girls' high schools participated in the study through multi-stage sampling method. The researcher-made questionnaire had 36 items in four sections containing demographic characteristics, knowledge, belief, and practice of adolescents regarding osteoporosis prevention, which was completed by the participants in the form of self-reporting after determining its validity and reliability and obtaining informed consent.

Results: Most female students were at a good level in terms of knowledge (67.6%), belief (68.1%), and practice (57.1%) of osteoporosis prevention. The most sources used to obtain information were the media such as radio and television.

Conclusion: According to the results of the study conducted on adolescent girls, despite the acceptable level of knowledge, belief, and practice, educational programs through mass media and educational classes seems to be necessary. In addition, provision of free sports facilities and strict monitoring of girls' nutrition in schools are other appropriate measures.