KNOWLEDGE AND PREVENTIVE PRACTICE REGARDING OSTEOPOROSIS AMONG WOMEN RESIDING IN BARAHAKSHETRA MUNICIPALITY, SUNSARI

Abstract

A community based cross-sectional study was conducted with the objective to assess the knowledge and preventive practices regarding osteoporosis among women residing in Barahakshetra Municipality. This study involved 160 women aged 15-59 years, selected from two randomly chosen wards out of the 11 wards in the municipality. Data collection was conducted through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires, which included questions about socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of osteoporosis, and preventive practices. Additionally, anthropometric measurements were taken to provide further context for the data. The study revealed that 29% of the participants had poor knowledge of osteoporosis, 49% had moderate knowledge, and 22% had good knowledge. Practice scores indicated that 1% of the women had poor practices, 63% had moderate practices, and 36% had good practices in terms of osteoporosis prevention. A mild positive correlation was found between knowledge levels and preventive practices. Significant association was found between knowledge scores and variables such as education level, ethnicity, and menopausal history. Similarly, education level, occupation, ethnicity, religion, and menstruation history were significantly associated to the level of preventive practices. However, no significant correlation was identified between the knowledge or practice scores and the BMI of the participants. The findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions to improve osteoporosis awareness and prevention practices among women in Barahakshetra Municipality.