Evaluation of Three Osteoporosis Prevention Programs for Young Women: Application of the Health Belief Model

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of theory-based osteoporosis prevention programs on calcium and vitamin D intakes and osteoporosis health beliefs in young women. Methods: Women (N ¼ 152) aged 19 to 25 years were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups: a brochure group (n ¼ 51), a computer-tailored program group (n ¼ 51, and the same computer-tailored program (n ¼ 50) with brief verbal feedback. Participants completed surveys regarding osteoporosis beliefs prior to and immediately after assigned intervention. They also completed surveys measuring osteoporosis behaviors before and 1 month after intervention. Results: Participants (n ¼ 152) in all groups significantly improved calcium intakes from baseline to 1 month after interventions. All groups experienced significant decreases in perceived barriers to obtaining adequate vitamin D and significant increases in perceived osteoporosis susceptibility and severity. Discussion: Interventions that delivered osteoporosis material via a brochure or tailored computerized messages with or without brief feedback from a health professional were successful. These changes may be due to theory-based components of the interventions. Translation to Health Education Practice: Though future research is needed, this study holds promise for health education practice to use health behavior theory to plan cost-effective osteoprotective programs for young women. ARTICLE HISTORY

Education Program Using Health Belief Model on Osteoporosis Preventive Behaviors among Women Attending Primary Health Care Centers

“…Even though the mean score of the barriers' was increased somewhat during the follow-up stage of the program,the result still significant; these could be attributed to the cost of calcium diet as mentioned by the participants. This is consistent with studies of Lein et al, (27) and Khorsandi et al, (28) who found that perceived barriers regarding calcium intake and exercise decreased after the intervention.…”

The Application of PRECEDE Model on Preventing Osteoporosis in Women

“…However, in the third stage of the study (3 months after intervention), the value of received calcium reduced. In a study by Lein, Turner, and Wilroy (2016), after educational intervention, the average score of received calcium improved and the average score of perceived barriers reduced. Shobeiri, Hesami, Khodakarami, and Soltanian (2015) investigated the effect of consultation on prevention behaviors from osteoporosis in women who were referred to health centers in Hamedan, Iran.…”

Improving Bone Health and Detection of Osteoporosis

“…Multiple studies have shown that it is urgent for providers to educate patients on preventative behaviors such as eating a healthy diet and regular exercise. 2,4,[13][14][15] Several studies demonstrated that osteoporosis may be preventable if prevention begins in early adulthood. 4,13,14 All studies concluded that women have better outcomes if they are knowledgeable about osteoporosis and its risk factors.…”

“…2,4,[13][14][15] Several studies demonstrated that osteoporosis may be preventable if prevention begins in early adulthood. 4,13,14 All studies concluded that women have better outcomes if they are knowledgeable about osteoporosis and its risk factors. 2,4,[13][14][15][16] In at least 1 study, the perceptions and efforts placed on modifying risk factors, such as nutrition along with calcium and vitamin D intake, were dependent on the younger adult's beliefs on osteoporosis.…”

“…4,13,14 All studies concluded that women have better outcomes if they are knowledgeable about osteoporosis and its risk factors. 2,4,[13][14][15][16] In at least 1 study, the perceptions and efforts placed on modifying risk factors, such as nutrition along with calcium and vitamin D intake, were dependent on the younger adult's beliefs on osteoporosis. 17 Amarnath et al 16 concluded that tools such as dualenergy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) studies are underused about women at risk.…”