THE IMPACT OF SPINE HEALTH EDUCATION ON KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF DISC HERNIATION IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the knowledge level about disc herniation (DH) in postmenopausal women and investigate the effects of spine health education on knowledge level and postural awareness. Methods: In the study involving 35 postmenopausal women, the level of knowledge about DH was assessed using the DH awareness questionnaire, and the level of postural awareness was assessed using the postural habit and awareness scale. The presence of pain in body parts was questioned, and its severity was evaluated using a visual analog scale. Participants received a single-session spine health education, and their awareness levels were reevaluated before and after the intervention. The one-hour education session included information on vertebral disc anatomy, DH, its symptoms, risk factors, and treatment methods, as well as postural awareness training and demonstrations of daily posture exercises and techniques to reduce spinal stress. Results: The mean age of the participants was 56.66 +/- 9.23 years. Following spine health education, participants' awareness levels were re-evaluated, and it was determined that 80% of the participants had high awareness, while 20% had moderate levels. Afterthe education, participants' knowledge and awareness about DH and its riskfactors [obesity (p=0.001), smoking (p=0.001), occupation (p=0.006), genetics (p=0.001)] significantly increased, and the overall DH knowledge score also improved (p=0.001). Conclusion: The education significantly increased participants' knowledge about DH and improved their postural awareness levels. These findings have profound implications for the health and well-being of postmenopausal women, suggesting that targeted education can enhance their understanding of musculoskeletal issues and potentially reduce the risk of DH, thereby improving their postural awareness.