The Level of Osteoporosis Knowledge and the Related Factors Among Women Who Attended Iskenderun Public Education Center Courses

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the levels of osteoporosis knowledge and self-efficacy and the related factors. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with 419 women aged between 19 and 60 years who attended the courses provided by Iskenderun Public Education Center. A questionnaire including the osteoporosis knowledge test (OKT) and osteoporosis self-efficacy scale (OSES) scores was applied by face to face interview method, the weight and height measurements were performed in accordance with the techniques. Results: The women older than 23 years of age had higher total OKT scores than the women younger than 23 years. The total OKT scores of the women with bachelor's degree were 12.9 times higher than those of unschooled literate women. The OSES-exercise scores of self-employed women were 2.4 times higher than those of housewives. A relationship was determined between the OKT and OSES total scores, OKT-nutrition and OSES-calcium, and OKT-exercise and OSES-exercise scores. Conclusion: Women participating in Iskenderun Public Education Center courses have low levels of osteoporosis knowledge and self-efficacy. Age, level of education, and occupation are important demographic factors affecting these levels. Further multicenter studies are needed to evaluate calcium intake and physical activity levels.