KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS OSTEOPOROSIS

ABSTRACT

The main aim of this study is to find out the knowledge and attitude towards osteoporosis among the elderly people in Uteh, Upper Mission Extention, Benin City. Four research question were raised to guide the study. The study adopted the descriptive study research design. The population of the study consisted of one hundred and twenty (120) elderly people who were the respondents. And one hundred and twenty respondents (120) were purposively selected. The project was validated by project supervisor and two other lecturers from the department of Health, Safety and Environmental Education (HSE). The instrument used for the study was a structured questionnaire which consist of option of Yes/ No, Strongly Agree (SA), Agree (A), Disagree (D) and strongly Disagree (SD), data gathered was interpreted using mean and standard deviation. Findings reveals that majority of the respondents have low knowledge of Osteoporosis and is a serious health problem for the elderly. Findings reveals that smoking and drinking can lead to osteoporosis. The following recommendation were suggested which are; the elderly should be provided with enough information on what osteoporosis is all about, and Osteoporosis should be taught in school to students early, for them have knowledge when they grow old they can know how to prevent it. Health awareness campaign should be carried out on the danger of smoking and drinking alcohol among the elderly for it can result to osteoporosis. Government should provide funds to cater for the elderly who are affected by osteoporosis. Free feeding should be giving to the elderly by the government and NGOs in order to maintain good hygiene diet. Those elderly who are affected by osteoporosis should be encourage that there is a cure to it through medication.