Self-Empowerment of Female Students in Prevention of Osteoporosis

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a chronic disease affecting society, particularly women and girls. Osteoporosis is a chronic, multifactorial disease, which is currently prevalent as the life expectancy and aging population is increasing. The purpose of this study is to evaluate self-empowerment (knowledge, attitudes, life skills and self-efficacy) of female students for prevention of osteoporosis.

METHODS: This study used a descriptive survey. Participants included 60 female students of Islamic Azad University, Sharekord. Data was collected by a researcher-made questionnaire measuring self-empowerment for prevention of osteoporosis. In addition to descriptive indicators, t-test and chi-square test were used to analyze data by SPSS software.

RESULTS: Self-empowerment of female students, including attitude, social skills and self-efficacy, is optimal for prevention of osteoporosis. The mean of these three components is significantly higher than the assumed mean (3). However, their knowledge is not optimal. There is no significant difference in frequency of correct and incorrect responses.

CONCLUSION: Female students do not have adequate knowledge for prevention of osteoporosis and require training in this area.