Korean J Rehabil Nurs.  1998 Dec;1(1):27-42.

A Study on Knowlege and Practices about Osteoporosis in Adults

• Yoon EJ

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a major health problem in countries with aging populations, resulting in excess morbidity anti mortality. This study was conducted to investigate knowledge and practices about osteoporosis in adults and to identify some factors which were influenced to that. 56-item questionnaire was developed including five domains(general characteristics, osteoporosis-related characteristics, knowlege of risk factors, knowlege of prevetion and practices). Subjects of this study were 368 adult ranged from 30 to 59. Data were collected during the period from June 15 to July 10, 1998 by means of a structured questionnare. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Post Hoc, Pearson Correlation by SPSSWIN program. The results were as follows: 1. The mean knowledge score of risk factors for osteoporosis was 7.46(full score=15) and that of prevention of osteoporosis was 8.79(full score=12). 2. The mean practice score of osteoporosis was slightly higher than median value. 3. Women had better knowledge about osteoporosis risk factors and practiced more osteoporosis-prevention measures than men. Although the data demonstrated fairly good general knowledge about osteoporosis in the subjects, the older group(age 50-59), those at the highest risk of developing the disease, knew less about osteoporosis than the younger group(age 30-39) did. 4. The persons who had heard about osteoporosis and bone mineral density though mass media medical pratitioners and who didn't take any medicine for osteoporosis had better know ledge about osteoporosis and preventive measures. The practice score was significantly higer in the postmenopausal women and persons who were already diagnosed as osteoporosis patients, or who underwent bone mineral density measurements. 5. The relation between knowledge and practice was significant. In conclusion, there was a modest degree of general knowledge about osteoporosis and its consequences in adults. Further randomized studies are needed to evaluate the relationship between osteoporosis and risk factors. However, these results support the importance of education to prevent osteoporosis.

MeSH Terms

Adult*
Aging
Bone Density
Education
Female
Humans
Male
Mass Media
Mortality
Osteoporosis*
Surveys and Questionnaires
Risk Factors