The impact of osteoporosis continuing education on nurses' knowledge and attitudes.
BACKGROUND
Osteoporosis has rapidly evolved into a severe health threat to Americans and a major public health problem. The increasing incidence of this disease and related fractures mandates that continuing education include osteoporosis content to ensure nurses provide competent education and care. An osteoporosis educational program was presented to nurses as part of a continuing education symposium on women's health issues. The program was tested to determine its effectiveness in augmenting the osteoporosis-related knowledge and attitudes of nurses.


METHODS
Eighty-one RNs with educational levels varying from associate degrees to doctorates attended the continuing education program. Sixty-three of the program participants completed pretest and posttest measures.


RESULTS
The educational program significantly increased osteoporosis knowledge in this cohort of nurses. Additionally, nurses indicated they were more likely to pay attention to their own bone health as a result of attending the program.


CONCLUSIONS
Results of this study reinforce the need for osteoporosis-related continuing education.
Berarducci
Adrienne
A
University of South Florida, College of Nursing, Tampa 33620, USA. aberardu@hsc.usf.edu
Lengacher
Cecile A
CA
Keller
Rosemary
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000451:nursing*