Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This study was conducted to determine the health belief and knowledge status for osteoporosis in nursing students.

METHODS

This descriptive study was conducted with students (n=370) who were attending a nursing college in the 2015-2016 academic year. The research data were collected by using the questionnaire prepared in accordance with the literature, Osteoporosis Knowledge Test and Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale. Independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance-ANOVA and Pearson correlation analysis were used to evaluate the data and p<0.05 was accepted for statistical significance.

RESULTS

The mean age of the students is 20.34±1.17 and all of them are women. When the risk factors of osteoporosis were examined; 12.2% of the students had a family history of osteoporosis, 93.2% were smokers and 99.2% did not use alcohol, 30.8% did not exercise, 96.5% did not receive enough calcium supplements, reported less use of the sun. When the students' mean score of osteoporosis knowledge test and health belief scale is examined; The mean total score of the knowledge test was 19.0±3.9 and the mean score of health belief scale was 137.0±12.1, and a statistically significant relationship was found between the total score averages (p<0.001). A statistically significant difference was found between the grade level and the students' knowledge test and total health belief score (p<0.001).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

It was determined that the students' knowledge and health belief scores of osteoporosis were at a moderate level and they were influenced by the education level. Educational approaches including osteoporosis knowledge and health-enhancing lifestyle changes should be made.