Awareness of osteoporosis among female employees in Kerman, Iran

Abstract

Background - Osteoporosis is a chronic multi-factorial disease characterized as low bone density and microarchitecture disturbance of bone tissue. Osteoporosis is known as a major health problem, but it can be prevented and treated in a great extent. Objective - The aim of the present study was to determine the rate of Iranian female employees' awareness of osteoporosis. Methods and Results - In a cross-sectional study, 400 female employees in Kerman were studied. Data were gathered using a researcher-made questionnaire. Mean awareness score of participants was 11.69±3.76 that shows poor awareness. Participants with bachelor or higher degrees showed better awareness (p<0.05). Conclusions - According to the obtained results, educational programs for increasing awareness of osteoporosis and its prevention are recommended.