Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Osteoporosis Prevention in Teen Girls in Quchan

Background and Aim: The main principle in osteoporosis prevention is to understand the mindset, general lifestyle and daily routines of individuals. Since the years of childhood and adolescence are the golden time to increase bone mass, the aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice  related to prevention of osteoporosis in adolescent girls. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 209 adolescent girls selected by a multi-stage sampling design from girlish high schools in Quchan City in 2017. The researcher-made questionnaire consisted of 38 questions and four sections containing demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and pracice of adolescents in the prevention of osteoporosis. After performing the validity and reliability  the participants completed the questionnaires in a self-reported manner with informed consent. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 18 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Most of the adolescent girls reported moderate awareness (59.3%), attitude in a good level (75.1%), and moderate practice (66.5%). There was a significant relationship between attitude in prevention of osteoporosis and mother's job (p = 0.045). Conclusion: According to the results of the study, which showed that adolescent girls had a moderate level of knowledge and practice despite having good attitudes, the need for educational programs through mass media and conducting educational classes was necessary, as well as providing free sports facilities and Careful monitoring of girls' nutrition in schools is another important measure