Determining levels of knowledge of osteoporosis in women between the ages of 18 and 64 who live in irak

Background: Osteoporosis is an important public health problem that is common in women and adults, progresses silently and can result in high morbidity and mortality. It is estimated that osteoporosis affects approximately 200 million women. Osteoporosis causes more than 8.9 million bone fractures worldwide annually. For this reason, it is very important to carry out studies to recognize osteoporosis and to raise awareness about osteoporosis in women. Objective/Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the osteoporosis knowledge level of women residing in Dikar, Iraq. Method: 350 women between the ages of 18-64 who applied to Al-Rifai Hospital and Muhammad Al-Musawi Hospital in Dikar region of Iraq were included in the study. Personal information form and Osteoporosis Cognitive Assessment Tool (OKAT) were used to collect data. Results: It was determined that 32.9% of the research group were in the 35-44 age range, 74.9% were married and 38.6% were university graduates. It was determined that the mean OKAT score of the women participating in the study was 5.77±0.19, and the knowledge level of 82% of them was very low. It was determined that single people had higher OKAT score averages than those who were married and those who did not have a pregnancy and had no children (p≤0.05) Conclusion and Suggestions: The findings of the study showed that the osteoporosis knowledge level of the women participating in the study was very low and they needed to be informed about this issue. It can be suggested that primary health care workers, especially public health nurses, organize trainings on women who apply for any health service and the society. Keywords: Osteoporosis, Women, Knowledge Assessment