Preventive Health Behavior and Osteoporosis Prediction among Perimenopausal Women

Background: Osteoporosis prevention at perimenpauseal period is crucial to diminish the risk
of the disease and its complication in later years of life. Having good osteoporosis knowledge
and positive health belief may lead to better preventive behavior which then contributes to build
and maintain bone health throughout life. Aim of the study was to assess preventive health
behavior and osteoporosis prediction among perimenopausal women. Study design:
An analytical cross-sectional study was used. Setting: The current study was conducted at
obstetrics and gynecologic clinic at the Zagazig university hospital's outpatient clinic. Sample
size: A purposive of 153 women with inclusion criteria of per-menopausal women age ranged
between 35- 45 years. Five tools were used to collect the necessary data: an interview
questionnaire Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment, Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale
Osteoporosis prevention behaviors Physiological measurement tool for the prediction of
osteoporosis. Based on the present study Results 31.8% of study subject have osteopenia and
5.9% have osteoporosis, 21.3 % of the studied women had satisfactory level of total knowledge,
59.1% of study subjects had positive attitude and 59.1% had low level of preventative health
behavior. Conclusion and recommendation: More than one third of study participants have
osteopenia and less than ten percent have osteoporosis and more than half had low levels of
preventative health behavior. The need for enhancement of the knowledge, attitudes, and
osteoporosis protective behaviors of women in early age especially perimenopausal period.
Emphasize the importance of routine measurement of BMD and serum calcium level every year
for all pre and postmenopausal women.