title: The impact of osteoporosis continuing education on nurses' knowledge and attitudes.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: University of South Florida, College of Nursing, Tampa 33620, USA. aberardu@hsc.usf.edu
authors.forename: Adrienne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Berarducci
authors.forename: Cecile A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Lengacher
authors.forename: Rosemary
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Keller
mesh_terms: 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*