Perception of middle-aged women in Birjand about osteoarthritis and its preventive behaviors: Application of Health Belief Model (HBM)

Background: Overriding heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes in prevalence, arthritis stands as the most common disease among the elderly. Studies fail to show a coherent study regarding the knowledge, attitude towards, and preventive behaviors against arthritis among middle-aged women. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the perceptions of and preventive behaviors against arthritis among middle-aged women in Birjand city. Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was conducted on 325 randomly selected women aged 29-59 years who referred to the Birjand-based healthcare centers. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire that covered demographics and items on knowledge, attitude, and performance. Its validity and reliability were confirmed. Data was analyzed in SPSS-19 using binomial test. Results: The mean age of the women was 39.1±8.4 years. Most of the participants (37%) had primary or secondary school degrees. The mean score of perception constructs were evaluated as follows: perceived susceptibility construct was desirable with a score of 19.5±2.9; perceived severity was desirable scored at 30.3±0.7; perceived benefits was desirable at 17.6±2.6, perceived barriers construct was at a moderate level scored at 25.4±6.3; self-efficacy at 29.7±7.5 was desirable; and performance was moderate at 7.7±2.8. Conclusions: According to the results, it is suggested that educational classes be held with the aim of improving the perceptions and behavior of middle-aged women concerning preventive behaviors against arthritis.