LAUSR

Due to their serious consequences affecting quality of life, prevention of osteoporosis is considered a priority. Thus, identifying the level of knowledge is useful in developing effective interventions and in guiding public health programs to prevent osteoporosis.The aim of this study is to describe beliefs and practices of menopaused Tunisian women related to health and osteoporosis in order to develop effective and targeted interventions for the prevention of this disease.A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among menopaused Tunisian women who consult the basic health center in the area of Sfax region in Tunisia. Data collection include socio-demographic characteristics, the “osteoporosis health belief scale” developed by Kim and his colleagues and the daily calcium intake which was calculated by a questionnaire developed by Patrice Fardellone.We have included 170 women. The mean age was 58.92 ± 9.07 years. Seventy-seven percent of women were housewives, 14.7% were active and 8.3% were retired. Seventy-five percent were married. Forty-two women (24.7%) were illiterate, sixty-three (37.1%) were at primary level and 33.5% were at secondary level. One hundred twelve women (65.3%) live in an urban environment, against 34.7% who belong to a rural environment.The level of perception of osteoporosis was very altered in 22.9%, altered in 32.4% and moderately altered in 31.8% of women. Women’s perceptions of the benefits of physical exercise and calcium intake were moderately altered in 42.4% and 51.2%, respectively. For obstacles to the practice of physical exercise, the level of perception was altered in 43.5% of women. Regarding the obstacles to calcium intake, the perceptions of our population were altered in 32.9% of cases.The daily intakes of calcium vary from 215 to 1444 mg per day with an average of 620.20 ± 204.523 mg / day. Only eight women (4.7%) had sufficient daily intake.Our study showed that all subscale of the “osteoporosis health belief scale” were altered. Promotion programs should aim at creating a supportive physical and social environment for the adoption of safer behaviors and especially education must be targeted.[1]Belgacem, A. Nouira, et S. Soussi, « Les perceptions des femmes tunisiennes selon le modèle des croyances liées à la santé et leurs pratiques relativement à l’ostéoporose », Pan Afr Med J, vol. 23, 2016.[2]H. Ahmadieh, A. Basho, A. Chehade, A. Al Mallah, et A. Dakour, « Perception of peri-menopausal and postmenopausal Lebanese women on osteoporosis: A cross-sectional study », Journal of Clinical & Translational Endocrinology, vol. 14, p. 19-24, déc. 2018.None declared.