Senior nursing students' knowledge of osteoporosis

Abstract

Objective: To explore the terminal knowledge of senior nursing students regarding osteoporosis at the end of their baccalaureate program.

Design: Descriptive, using a convenience sample.

Setting: University on the West Coast of Florida.

Participants: Ninety-five senior nursing students.

Main outcome measure: Identification of osteoporosis-related knowledge using the 22-item Osteoporosis Knowledge Questionnaire.

Results: Knowledge scores for the sample ranged from 6 to 20 (M = 14.62) out of a possible score of 22.

Conclusions: Senior nursing students demonstrated limited knowledge related to the magnitude of osteoporosis, risk factors associated with the disease, detection, treatment and preventive measures. These findings should encourage educators to develop or enhance existing curricula to adequately prepare nurses to assume advocacy roles in both the practice settings and public policy arena regarding osteoporosis.