Indian Journal of Continuing Nursing Education | 2019
Risk factors and knowledge of osteoporosis in rural pre-menopausal women
Abstract
Osteoporosis is one of the major qualities of life-threatening diseases affecting women. It affects one in three women over 50 years of age. The aim of the study was to assess the risk factors and knowledge of osteoporosis among pre-menopausal women in selected rural population in Vellore district, Tamil Nadu. A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used to assess the risk factors and knowledge of osteoporosis. A total of 110 samples between 40 and 50 years of age were selected using convenient sampling technique. Data were collected using the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool® by World Health Organisation, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Food Frequency Questionnaire, 24 h dietary recall and modified Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool. The mean age of the women in the study was 43.96 years. Majority (98.18%) of the women had high level of physical activity. The mean intake of calorie and calcium were 1630.81 kcal/day and 310 mg/day, respectively. Majority (86.36%) of the women had low calorie intake, and all the women (100%) had inadequate calcium intake. Most (92.73%) of the women had 1%–2% of 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fracture risk and 105 (95.45%) had <0.5% of 10-year probability of major hip fracture risk. Poor level of knowledge was found among (30.91%), 49.09% had fair knowledge, 17.27% had good knowledge and only 2.73% had very good knowledge regarding osteoporosis. There was a significant association between knowledge of women regarding osteoporosis and their education (P < 0.01) and monthly family income (P < 0.01). There was a significant association of 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fracture risk with calcium supplements (P < 0.01). There was a significant association of 10-year probability of hip fracture risk with occupation (P < 0.01). The findings of the study suggest that there is a need to educate women regarding prevention of osteoporosis. Public health strategies should be aimed at improving the calcium intake of women in this age group and to make appreciable lifestyle changes such as reduction in sedentary lifestyle and increased physical activity.