Knowledge and Health Beliefs about Osteoporosis amongst 16-18 Year Old Students in Male in the Maldives

Abstract

Volume 2 • Isse 2 • 1000123 undernourished zone with a significant percentage of women in the Maldives having a relatively later age of menarche [4]. These findings indicate that people in the Maldives are vulnerable to osteoporosis, and strategies need to be implemented to promote physical activity and healthy eating amongst children in the Maldives. Knowledge and health beliefs such as perceived susceptibility and seriousness of a disease are considered an important aspect of disease prevention as they are thought to affect behaviour [10]. Several studies have assessed knowledge, lifestyle and health beliefs of osteoporosis, yet much of this work has either been undertaken in the United States of America (USA) or the United Kingdom (UK) where knowledge and education may vary considerably from that in other parts of the world. Little is known in developing countries such as the Maldives where populations may be at risk [11-14]. The objectives of this study were to establish the baseline knowledge and perceptions of osteoporosis amongst 16-18 year old students in Malé, Maldives, and to compare the data with previously collated data from the UK and USA. A further objective was to determine preferred modes and sources of educational information.