Women's knowledge of osteoporosis

doi:10.1016/S0897-1897(98)80102-X

Applied Nursing Research

Volume 11, Issue 3, August 1998, Pages 111-114

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0897-1897(98)80102-X Get rights and content

Osteoporosis affects one in four women over the age of 65 and is a major cause of hip fractures that place women in nursing homes. In this study of 247 women, their knowledge of osteoporosis was assessed with the Facts on Osteoporosis Quiz. The instrument measured their responses to questions about self-care practices related to risk factors and preventive behavior associated with osteoporosis. Respondents came from occupational and primary health care settings and a health fair. The women ranged in age from 22 to 84 years. Findings indicated that the majority of women had inadequate knowledge of osteoporosis risk factors and preventive behavior.

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Cited by (55)

Perception of peri-menopausal and postmenopausal Lebanese women on osteoporosis: A cross-sectional study
2018, Journal of Clinical and Translational Endocrinology
Citation Excerpt :
On the other hand, a lack of awareness about osteoporosis and its risks may lead to a delay in its diagnosis and treatment and thus leading to high burden socially and economically [10]. Perception of women about osteoporosis, its risk factor and seriousness was assessed in different studies [11–14]. However, in Lebanon, no such study was conducted.
Osteoporosis is a generalized skeletal disorder characterized by decreased bone mineral density and microarchitectural deterioration, resulting in increased susceptibility to fractures. The prevalence of osteoporosis in Lebanon, defined as T-score <−2.5 at the total hip using NHANES gender-specific database was estimated to be 31% among postmenopausal women.
To assess the general perception of osteoporosis among women in Lebanon as well as their general knowledge of its lifestyle, risk factors, diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic measures.
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lebanon between January and December 2017. Women above the age of 50 were invited to participate. A standardized questionnaire regarding the perception of personal risk of osteoporosis and fractures was used. Risk factors for osteoporosis, previous fractures or falls, family history of fracture, smoking, alcohol consumption, and secondary causes of osteoporosis were evaluated. Data were recorded on excel and analyzed on SPSS using variety of descriptive analysis, ANOVA tests, and others. P value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.
From 396 interviewed women, 85% were in menopause and were more likely to be diagnosed with osteoporosis. 45% knew the true definition of osteoporosis and their most frequent source of information was doctors. Around 60% had heard of BMD screening but only 54.5% of those women actually did it.
This study reveals that osteoporosis knowledge and perception is low among the Lebanese woman aged 50 years and older.
Chosen risk factors for osteoporosis and the level of knowledge about the disease in peri-and postmenopausal women
2015, Przeglad Menopauzalny
An assessment of the level of osteoporosis knowledge in postmenopausal breast cancer patients
2010, International Journal of Orthopaedic and Trauma Nursing
Evaluating the level of osteoporosis knowledge in postmenopausal breast cancer patients is a key step towards the development and implementation of educational measures with the goal of reducing the incidence of fragility fractures in this population. The Facts on Osteoporosis Quiz (FOOQ) was used to assess the level of osteoporosis knowledge in 27 postmenopausal breast cancer patients and 31 healthy postmenopausal women. The mean score on the FOOQ for the breast cancer patients was 13 (65%). This was significantly lower (p < 0.01) than the mean score of 15 (75%) achieved by the healthy women. Overall, the level of osteoporosis knowledge was considered inadequate for both subgroups, particularly in the areas of potentially preventative behavior. The results of this study suggest that breast cancer patients, who are at an increased risk for the development of osteoporosis due to their antineoplastic therapy, may benefit from a specialized strategy for the communication of osteoporosis knowledge as a principle aspect of their treatment.
Nurses' knowledge and perceptions about osteoporosis: A questionnaire survey
2008, International Journal of Nursing Studies
Knowledge about a disease provides professionals involved in its prevention and treatment with the information to make informed decisions about health practices. Gaps of knowledge regarding osteoporosis prevention and treatment have been found among different health professionals over the world, including nurses.
The aim of this study was to assess a wider variety of aspects related to nurses’ knowledge and attitudes regarding osteoporosis.
A cross-sectional research design was used.
Two academic centers in the northern part of Israel.
A convenience sample of 158 registered nurses (mean age=39±10.3), attending classes at two academic centers.
Data were collected using a self-administered survey.
Nurses were positive about their role and their skills for osteoporosis management, yet subjective and objective knowledge in different aspects of the disease was moderate. The average score of knowledge regarding risk factors for osteoporosis, as assessed by the Facts on Osteoporosis Quiz (FOOQ), was 17 (SD=3) out of 24, with female nurses, nurses working in Health Maintenance Organizations—HMOs, and nurses who underwent a bone density measurement scoring higher (p< 0.05).
Nurses believed they have an important role in educating the public on osteoporosis prevention and management. Yet, their knowledge on different issues (e.g. signs of the disease, medication, and lifestyle issues) was only moderate. The only osteoporosis-related aspect they reported being confident about was advising on fall prevention. Measures should be taken in order to expand nurses’ knowledge, such as education programs and postgraduate courses.
Osteoporosis: a teenage perspective
2007, Physiotherapy
Citation Excerpt :
Physiotherapists are regularly involved with patients already suffering from osteoporosis and may have a role to play in the prevention as well as the management of the disease [2]. Many studies have highlighted this role for nurses [13,16,17] and other studies have stressed the need for a multi-disciplinary team approach [24,26]. Physiotherapists have the expertise and should be encouraged to be a part of the inter-professional team of nurses, physical education teachers and sports coaches working to encourage a lifestyle that promotes bone health.
To assess the knowledge and health beliefs, on osteoporosis, of 16–18 year olds in full-time education in the UK. This is believed to be an age where peak bone mass, a significant factor in osteoporosis and fracture risk, can be influenced. Knowledge and health beliefs may affect whether preventative behaviours are practised.
Convenience sampling method using a self-administered questionnaire.
State and private high schools in Bedfordshire.
A total of 224 16–18 year olds in full-time education.
There was an 81% response rate (224/275) for the questionnaires, with 219 usable in the study. Almost one-third of subjects reported they had heard or read nothing about osteoporosis. There was no significant difference between subjects’ perceived likelihood of developing HIV/AIDS or Alzheimer's when compared to osteoporosis, with 73% (74/102) of males and 52% (61/117) of females rating their likelihood of being affected by osteoporosis as low. Many of the subjects, 60% (61/102) of males and 62% (73/117) of females, felt that a person's responsibility for developing osteoporosis was low.
Disturbingly, participants were unable to identify many of the known risk factors for osteoporosis and over 50% (67/117) of the females surveyed did not appear to recognise the relationship between menstruation, menopause and the disease.
The results of this study demonstrate that there is a low level of knowledge and awareness regarding the prevalence of osteoporosis and its associated risk factors among 16–18 year olds in full-time education. This suggests that this population is unlikely to make lifestyle choices which would reduce the risk of developing the disease. Targeted education programmes are therefore needed and should be aimed at both improving knowledge and affecting health beliefs in a manner appropriate and appealing to this age group.
A survey of nurses' and midwives' knowledge of risks and lifestyle factors associated with osteoporosis
2007, Journal of Orthopaedic Nursing
The aim of this study was to investigate nurses’ and midwives’ current knowledge of osteoporosis and assessed their education and training needs. A quantitative, descriptive survey was conducted using a questionnaire on a stratified, random sample of 128 nurses and midwives in the North West of Ireland. A generally high level of knowledge about certain risk factors was found. The main deficit of knowledge and lifestyle factors in this study was that of exercise and bone health. A link was, however, established between age and knowledge scores and a more significant link was established between years of qualification and knowledge. Midwives were found to have a high knowledge level. Nurses and midwives received their information from media sources, as opposed to a formal education session. Almost all of the respondents identified a need for further education on osteoporosis.

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Original articleWomen's knowledge of osteoporosis

Preventive Medicine

Patient Education and Counseling

Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Neonatal Nursing

Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Alcohol dependence, smoking status, reproductive characteristics, and bone mineral density in premenopausal women

Research in Nursing & Health

Calcium intake and fracture risk: results from the study of osteoporotic fractures

American Journal of Epidemiology

Functional impairment among elderly women with osteoporotic veterbral fractures

Rehabilitation Nursing

Original article
Women's knowledge of osteoporosis