Examination and Comparison of Osteoporosis Knowledge Level of Students Studying in Nutrition and Dietetics and Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Departments

Abstract

Objective: It is important to know and control the risk factors for the prevention of osteoporosis, which results in increased bone fragility. It is necessary for health professionals to identify and inform individuals at risk for the protection of them from osteoporosis. In this study, we aimed to examine and compare the knowledge levels of osteoporosis among students in different fields of health sciences. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out with 259 students aged between 19 and 46 who are studying at İstanbul Arel University Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation (PTR) and Nutrition and Dietetics Departments. The revised 2011-osteoporosis knowledge test was used to determine their knowledge levels of osteoporosis. Results: The average age of the students was 21.59±2.4. There was no statistically significant difference between the PTR and Nutrition departments in terms of a total score of osteoporosis knowledge level, but the mean of the exercise subgroups of PTR students was found to be statistically significantly higher (p<0.05). It was observed that the total score, exercise, and nutrition subscores of the students in the first grade were lower than those in the 2 nd , 3 rd , and 4 th grades. Conclusion: The health education students' knowledge level about osteoporosis is increasing according to their educational level. The level of knowledge can change concerning to the content of education.