Knowledge, Beliefs and Preventive Behaviours Regarding Osteoporosis Among Female Health Colleges’ Students at King Abdulaziz University

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a disease in which the density and quality of bones reduce. It is a silent thief, producing no symptoms until a fragility fracture occurs.Aim: This study aimed to assess the osteoporosis knowledge, beliefs, and preventive behaviours among female health colleges' students at King Abdulaziz University.Materials and Methods: Design: A cross sectional descriptive design. Setting and sample: 299 female students were recruited from four female health faculties (nursing, dentistry, applied medical and medical rehabilitation sciences) at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah. Tools for Data Collection:Four tools were used including: characteristics assessment questionnaire, osteoporosis knowledge assessment tool, osteoporosis health belief scale and osteoporosis preventing behaviours survey.Results: 52.5% of the study participants had moderate level of knowledge regarding osteoporosis with satisfactory level of knowledge regarding osteoporosis symptoms and risk of fracture (60.4%). While, there was unsatisfactory level of knowledge regarding osteoporosis risk factors, preventive measures and availability of the treatment (43.4%, 38.3% and 36.6% respectively). The beliefs of perceived susceptibility and seriousness of osteoporosis were low (53% and 57% respectively). Also, there was inadequate level of practicing osteoporosis preventive behaviours. Additionally, there were significant positive correlations were found between physical activity and perceived benefits of physical exercise and calcium intake and health motivation. In addition, significant negative correlations had been detected between physical activity and both of barriers to exercise and calcium intake. Finally, there was highly significant positive correlation between students' knowledge regarding osteoporosis and their health beliefs. Conclusion and recommendations: Moderate level of students' knowledge regarding osteoporosis was noted. Susceptibility and severity perception toward osteoporosis were low. Practices towards preventing osteoporosis were inadequate. Therefore, the researcher recommended to provide health education and prevention programs about osteoporosis targeted university students to narrow the gap between knowledge and practices.

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“…This finding is of major concern as it may prohibit early help-seeking behaviors due to an absence of symptoms. Previous research from Saudi Arabia and Malaysia has similarly indicated a lack of awareness in the general community of the 'silent' nature of osteoporosis [22,23].…”