Osteoporosis Knowledge and Health Beliefs of Women Aged 15-64 Years Living in Antalya

Objective: This study is aimed to define osteoporosis knowledge and health beliefs of women. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 1240 women between the ages 15 and 64 in Konyaaltı/Antalya/Türkiye. Osteoporosis Knowledge Test (OKT) and Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale (OHBS) were administered to women. Results: The mean total score of OKT was 19.90±3.11, OHBS Susceptibility score 18.32±5.77, Seriousness score 20.45±5.27, Benefits of Exercise score 26.73±3.55, Benefits of Calcium Intake score 24.82±4.22, Barriers to Exercise score 12.77±5.15, Barriers to Calcium Intake score 12.14±4.53, Health Motivation score was found to be 23.95±3.49. When osteoporosis knowledge score was divided by the median value and evaluated as a risk criterion, the women who studied 5 years and less were 2.46 (1.84-3.27) times, who studied 6-8 years were 1.65 (1.18-2.29) times, whose caffeine consumption less than 200 mg/day were 1.43 (1.07-1.89) times, who was in menapouse were 1.37 (1.05-1.76) times riskier for osteoporosis knowledge to be lower than the median level in all women. Conclusion: The level of osteoporosis knowledge and health beliefs of women living in Konyaaltı/Antalya were found to be higher than those determined in other countries and in our country. Informative events should be organized and primary health care workers should educate women of all ages, especially women with low education levels, about osteoporosis and preventive measures.