Knowledge of Osteoporosis among women of 40 years and above in Nepalgunj sub-Metropolitan City

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is a global problem with a lifetime risk of osteoporotic fractures in women. It is the condition that reduces bone mass per unit volume of normally mineralized bone resulting in fractures, even minor trauma which increases as an increase in age. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the osteoporosis knowledge among women of 40 years and above residing in Muktipur-12, Nepalgunj, Banke. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out in Muktipur-12, Nepalgunj Sub Metropolitan city among 150 women of 40 years and above. Face to face interview was conducted during July-August, 2018. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version-16 was used for descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Study showed 61.3% women of 40 years and above had fair knowledge of osteoporosis. Personal presence of osteoporosis was reported by 26% of respondents. Diet low in calcium (79.3%), lack of exercise (57.3%) and personal history of fracture as an adult (44.7%) were the major reported causes of osteoporosis. Regarding knowledge on symptoms, lower back pain (78%), stooped position (64.7%) and bone fracture (42.7%) were reported. More than three fourth (84%) answered adequate calcium intake as preventive measures for osteoporosis. Knowledge of osteoporosis was found to be significantly associated with age (p<0.001), literacy (p=0.028) and occupation (p=0.019) of the participants. Conclusion: Study concluded fair level of knowledge regarding osteoporosis. Osteoporosis awareness program need to be continued and expanded covering young age women which could minimize the future risk of osteoporosis.