بررسی دانش و نگرش معلمین زن شهر رفسنجان در مورد پیشگیری از پوکی استخوان (سال 1385)

Background and Aim: Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disorder, characterized by reduction of bone mass, deterioration of bone structure, increasing bone fragility, and increasing fracture risk. Prevention of osteoporosis is one of the most important issues in World Health Organization. This study was conducted to assess knowledge and attitude of female teachers on prevention of osteoporosis in Rafsanjan city. Materials and Methods: This study was a descriptive and analytic one the population of which included female teachers of Rafsanjan city and its sample size, based on a pilot study, consisted 445 female teachers .Relevant data was gathered by means of a researcher - made questionnaire having three sections. Section one: demographic questions, Section two: 30 questions about knowledge, and section three: 18 questions about attitude of teachers. After the validity and reliability of the questionnaire was approved, it was used for data collection. The obtained data was analysed applying SPSS statistical software, t-test, and one-way variance analysis at the significant level P<0.05. Results: It was found that many teachers (24.1%) were 36-40 years old and most of them, (94.4%) were married. Education level of 55% was either BA/BS or MA/M.Sc. 53.7% of the teachers taught in high schools and technical schools .Work experience of 40.9% of the subjects was 11-20 years. Total score of knowledge and attitude was 62% and 82.17%, respectively. Regarding their level of knowledge and level of education there was a significant difference between the teachers' total mean knowledge and educational degree on one hand, and their source, with respect to the disease prevention, on the other (P<0.05(. Comparison of attitude and level of education also showed a significant difference between level of education and total mean attitude score (P<0.05(. Conclusion: Results indicated that teachers did not have acceptable knowledge, but they had optimal attitude toward prevention of osteoporosis. These results approve of the necessity for more education regarding osteoporosis prevention, which is one of the duties of health-care professionals.