Osteoporosis Knowledge and Attitude: A Cross-Sectional Study among Physiotherapy Intern
Description
Background: As the prevalence of osteoporosis is increasing in our country, as the global range, increases exponentially, it shall execute a huge burden on the nation’s economy. However, knowledge about osteoporosis can help to prevent and to minimize the complications such as pathologic fractures. Raising the knowledge of osteoporosis among future doctors is then considered a part of osteoporosis primary prevention. AIM: The study aimed to evaluate physiotherapy interns' knowledge and attitudes on osteoporosis. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 80 physiotherapy interns from 2022-2023 to assess the osteoporosis knowledge among physiotherapy Interns. We used Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool (OKAT) was created by Winzenberg and co-authors in 2003. RESULT: A total of 80 physiotherapy interns answered the questionnaire with a response rate of 87.9 %. A worrying deficit of knowledge was found among physiotherapy interns. Those students believed osteoporosis to be a serious disease but did not feel susceptible to or concerned about the illness. Perceived moderate to high barriers to exercise and calcium intake indicated negative health beliefs. CONCLUSION: In the course of the survey, the participants gave troublesome responses which can be handled by numerous practices. For instance, they should provide opportunities to attend events and workshops related to osteoporosis. Apart from that, brief knowledge of each topic should provide to them. Apart from academic work, they should indulge in conferences to upgrade their understanding. Keywords: India, Knowledge, Osteoporosis.