Osteoporosis Knowledge and Attitude: A Cross-Sectional Study among Physiotherapy Intern

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.

背景：随着骨质疏松症（Osteoporosis）在全球范围内呈指数级增长，印度国内的患病率亦逐年攀升，这将为国家经济带来沉重负担。然而，掌握骨质疏松症相关知识有助于预防该病并最大限度降低病理性骨折等并发症的发生。提升未来医师对骨质疏松症的认知，被视为骨质疏松症一级预防的重要组成部分。
研究目的：本研究旨在评估理疗实习生对骨质疏松症的认知水平与态度倾向。
研究方法：本研究于2022-2023年间针对80名理疗实习生开展横断面调查，以评估其骨质疏松症认知水平。研究采用温岑贝格（Winzenberg）及其合著者于2003年编制的骨质疏松症知识评估量表（Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool, OKAT）。
研究结果：共有80名理疗实习生参与问卷作答，有效回收率为87.9%。调查发现理疗实习生普遍存在令人担忧的知识缺口。该群体虽认可骨质疏松症为严重疾病，但并未意识到自身患病风险或对该病予以重视。研究对象认为运动与钙摄入存在中高度障碍，这反映出其健康信念存在消极倾向。
研究结论：本次调查中，参与者的作答情况反映出诸多有待改进之处，可通过多种实践举措加以改善。例如，可为其提供参与骨质疏松症相关活动与研讨会的机会；此外，还应为其讲解各主题的核心知识；除学业任务外，应鼓励其参加学术会议以深化对该病的认知。
关键词：印度，认知，骨质疏松症