Knowledge and Preventive Practices About Osteoporosis Among Elementary School Teachers of Bandar-Abbas in 2020

PURPOSE: To assess knowledge and preventive practices about osteoporosis among elementary school teachers of Bandar-Abbas in 2020. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the schools were selected using simple random sampling, and the teachers were invited to fill out an online questionnaire. The knowledge section of the questionnaire assessed general knowledge and knowledge regarding risk/protective factors, nutrition, and physical activity. The preventive practices section assessed dietary habits using a food frequency questionnaire, asking about 16 items in six groups, intakes of which were compared to the recommendations of the Iranian food pyramid. This section also assessed physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: Totally, 377 school teachers with a mean [standard deviation (SD)] age of 38 (6.7) participated in this study. The level of overall knowledge of 128 (33.9%) teachers was high, 222 (58.9%) moderate, and 27 (7.2%) low. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] intakes of fruits [2 (1–2)] and meats/eggs [1.7 (1.4–2.2)] were adequate, while those of dairy products [1.5 (0.9–2.3)], nuts/legumes [0.5 (0.2–1.1)], and vegetables [0.3 (0.1–1)] were inadequate. The median (IQR) intakes of tea/coffee [1 (0.6–2)] and cola [0.1 (0–0.3)] were considered limited. The physical activity level of 121 (32.1%) teachers was high, 124 (32.9%) moderate, and 135 (35%) low. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the teachers about osteoporosis was moderate, and their preventive practices were somewhat adequate concerning dietary habits and moderate concerning physical activity.