Knowledge, Health Beliefs and Osteoporosis Preventive Behaviour Among Women of Reproductive Age in Egypt

ABSTRACT

@#Introduction: Osteoporosis is an important, global public health issue that is expected to become an epidemic by 2050, and particularly affect an increasing number of elderly women worldwide. The current study was designed to measure the current osteoporosis knowledge level among a sample population of women, to assess osteoporosis health beliefs, and assess osteoporosis preventive measures and factors related to those taking preventive measures. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, using multistage sampling. A total of 265 women were randomly selected among those attending outpatient clinics in primary health care units. The study used a questionnaire to assess knowledge, health beliefs, in addition to osteoporosis preventive behaviour. Results: About 59% of the participants showed inadequate knowledge and 70.7% had inadequate osteoporosis preventive behaviour. Inadequate knowledge levels were more common among the younger participants, and those with a lower educational level, absence of osteoporosis in first degree relatives and no history of fractures. Significant differences were observed in the mean score of overall health beliefs and all its sub-scales, except for perceived exercise benefits and perceived health motivation. Sub-optimal calcium intake levels were noted, but were significantly higher among those with adequate osteoporosis preventive behaviour than among those with inadequate osteoporosis preventive behaviour (907.2 ± 187.6 and 810.7 ± 123.3, respectively, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The sample of women under investigation showed unsatisfactory levels of knowledge regarding osteoporosis, substandard health beliefs and sub-optimal levels of calcium consumption. Community-based interventions should be conducted to overcome the barriers to adopting preventive behaviours.