Osteoporosis Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students

Abstract: Background: Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease which is common globally. It is defined as decrease in bone mass and bone tissue destruction that causes decrease in bone strength and increase the chances of fractures. Over 200 million people are suffering from osteoporosis worldly and the number of individuals will increase greatly in coming decades due to aging and sedentary lifestyle. Knowledge combined with strategic planning related to preventive measures decrease its occurrence. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of osteoporosis in students of physical therapy. Materials and Methods: A Questionnaire-Based survey was conducted at Department of Physiotherapy, Isra University Hyderabad in April 2021 to December. 2021. The study approval was given by Ethical Committee of Isra Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, Isra University Hyderabad. 200 students from 3rd to final year were asked to complete the questionnaire. The knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of osteoporosis questionnaire consisted of 20 close ended questions. Results: A total of 200 were selected out of which 182 participants completely filled and returned the questionnaire. The mean age of participants was 22.31±1.86 years. Male participants were 34 (18.7%) and female participants were 148 (81.35%) in this study. High knowledge regarding osteoporosis was found among students with percentage of 99.45%. The participants showed positive attitude related to osteoporosis with percentage of 60.9%. These students also had positive impression towards management practices for osteoporosis with the percentage of 70.33%. Conclusion: This study concluded that the participants have better knowledge regarding osteoporosis. Further proper health education programs must be held in university to encourage them to adopt healthy practices about osteoporosis in daily life.