Osteoporosis Knowledge, Physical Activity Level, and Calcium Intake in Students of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation and Nutrition and Dietetics Departments

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the osteoporosis knowledge, calcium intake, and physical activity level of the students of physical therapy and rehabilitation and nutrition and dietetics departments, which are among the occupational groups that play an important role in the prevention and management of osteoporosis.

Methods: This study was carried out with second-, third-, and fourth-grade female students of physical therapy and rehabilitation and nutrition and dietetics departments. Osteoporosis knowledge was evaluated using Osteoporosis Knowledge Test, physical activity level was evaluated using the Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire, and daily calcium intake was evaluated using the Food Consumption Frequency Form.

Results: The mean age of 209 female participants was 21.50±1.36 years. There was no significant difference between the students of the two departments in terms of osteoporosis knowledge, physical activity level, and calcium intake (p>0.05). There was no significant difference among students of different grades in terms of evaluated parameters (p>0.05).

Discussion and Conclusion: The osteoporosis knowledge, physical activity level, and calcium intake of the students studying in two different departments involved in osteoporosis management and at different grade levels were similar. Although osteoporosis knowledge of the students of both departments was high, their physical activity level and daily calcium intake were low. It is important for these students, who will be practitioners of professional groups that play a primary role in health promotion, to reflect their knowledge on their own attitudes and habits and to be the right role models for their clients and the development of social health.

Keywords: Calcium intake; Knowledge; Osteoporosis; Physical activity