Evaluation of knowledge, attitude and performance of high school girls about osteoporosis in 2011

Osteoporosis is a common problem in health systems and in fact, it is a hidden epidemic. Only the early diagnosis can prevent its complications. Therefore, this study was performed with aim to evaluate knowledge, attitude and performance of high school girls about osteoporosis.
This cross-sectional study was performed on 715 adolescent female students who were educating in six high schools of Boushehr. Data were collected through a questionnaire which included 52 questions about demographic information, knowledge, attitude and performance of adolescent regarding osteoporosis risk factors (physical activity, nutrition, and smoking). Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 16) and chi-square test. P 621 students (86.9 %) had desirable and 94 (31.1%) had moderate knowledge regarding Osteoporosisrisk factors. 662 of participants (92.6%) had desirable and 53 (7.4%) had moderate attitude and none of them had poor attitude about the factors effective on osteoporosis. In terms of physical performance, 2 students (0.3%) haddesirable, 143 (20%) moderate, and 570 (79.7%) had poor physical activity. There was no significant relation between knowledge and performance (P=0.18) and also between attitude and physical activity (P=0.42).
The girls who participated inthis study had desirable knowledge and attitude regarding osteoporosis, but most of them had poor performance in terms of physical activity. It is suggested that parents and managers design appropriate program to increase physical activity ofadolescents.