Assessment of Knowledge and Self-Efficacy in Achieving Osteoporosis Prevention Behaviors among High School Female Students

AbstractThe focus of this study was on assessing current level of knowledge and self-efficacy of osteoporosis among adolescents. Multi-stage sampling method was used to reach the participants (209 high school female students). The questionnaire, Osteoporosis Health Prevention belief Scale, was prepared based on the Health belief. The mean age was 15.67 years. Knowledge of osteoporosis and self-efficacy were low. The mean knowledge scores and self-efficacy were 33.1615(SD=12.74046) and 26.1393(SD=4.69580) respectively. Majority of participants (75.4%) received their information from friends and family and the school role in providing information was negligible. These results may be useful in planning educational intervention programs based on health education models. Osteoporosis prevention education should be included in high school curriculum