Knowledge and Preventive Practices About Osteoporosis Among Elementary School Teachers of Bandar-Abbas in 2020

Abstract

PurposeTo assess knowledge and preventive practices about osteoporosis among elementary school teachers of Bandar-Abbas in 2020.Materials and MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, the schools were selected using simple random sampling, and the teachers were invited to fill out an online questionnaire. The knowledge section of the questionnaire assessed general knowledge and knowledge regarding risk/protective factors, nutrition, and physical activity. The preventive practices section assessed dietary habits using a food frequency questionnaire, asking about 16 items in six groups, intakes of which were compared to the recommendations of the Iranian food pyramid. This section also assessed physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.ResultsTotally, 377 school teachers with a mean [standard deviation (SD)] age of 38 (6.7) participated in this study. The level of overall knowledge of 128 (33.9%) teachers was high, 222 (58.9%) moderate, and 27 (7.2%) low. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] intakes of fruits [2 (1–2)] and meats/eggs [1.7 (1.4–2.2)] were adequate, while those of dairy products [1.5 (0.9–2.3)], nuts/legumes [0.5 (0.2–1.1)], and vegetables [0.3 (0.1–1)] were inadequate. The median (IQR) intakes of tea/coffee [1 (0.6–2)] and cola [0.1 (0–0.3)] were considered limited. The physical activity level of 121 (32.1%) teachers was high, 124 (32.9%) moderate, and 135 (35%) low.ConclusionKnowledge of the teachers about osteoporosis was moderate, and their preventive practices were somewhat adequate concerning dietary habits and moderate concerning physical activity.

Knowledge and Awareness of Osteoporosis and Its Risk Factors Among the Adult Population in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

“…Although treatment options are available and widely approved, prevention remains the most appropriate method for managing this disease and its deleterious complications, the most important of which are fractures [ 8 ]. Preventive strategies are mainly based on controlling and managing these modifiable risk factors [ 8 ].…”

“…Although treatment options are available and widely approved, prevention remains the most appropriate method for managing this disease and its deleterious complications, the most important of which are fractures [ 8 ]. Preventive strategies are mainly based on controlling and managing these modifiable risk factors [ 8 ]. A healthy diet that contains fruits, vegetables, animal proteins, and dairy products rich in calcium and vitamin D will enrich the bones with the nutrients needed to protect them and keep them healthy [ 8 ].…”

“…Preventive strategies are mainly based on controlling and managing these modifiable risk factors [ 8 ]. A healthy diet that contains fruits, vegetables, animal proteins, and dairy products rich in calcium and vitamin D will enrich the bones with the nutrients needed to protect them and keep them healthy [ 8 ]. Furthermore, routine physical activity, including weight-bearing exercises rather than a sedentary lifestyle, will strengthen the muscles, provide more support to the bones and joints, and help decrease the risk of falls [ 8 ].…”