Knowledge, attitude and practice of adults about osteoporosis prevention in Ahvaz, 2012

Abstract Introduction: Due to the need to maintain maximum bone mass before age 35, the preventive measures must be initiated; This study was aimed to determine the assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of men and women over 35 years about osteoporosis in Ahvaz, Iran. Materials & Methods: In this descriptive study 186 men and women over 35 years were recruited. Data collection was done through a questionnaire with four sections including 51 question. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version20 and descriptive statistics, and Mann-Whitney test were used for statistical purposes. Results: In terms of knowledge, 109 persons were moderate (58.3%), 147 persons had a positive attitude (78.6%); and 106 persons had practice in moderate level (56.7%). A direct relationship was found between the economic situation and practice and also between the knowledge and the education level. But, it was not any significant relationship between awareness and attitudes, and also between awareness and attitudes and practice. Conclusion: We can conclude that due to the increase in the elderly population and the need for preventive measures concerning osteoporosis; Therefore, it is necessary that officials take essential decision to proceed the general awareness about prevention of osteoporosis, and by this means, reduce the level of disability and treatment costs. Keywords: Osteoporosis, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice