The Effect of Osteoporosis Prevention Empowerment Program on the Self-Efficacy of Iranian Older Adults

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and loss of the quality of bone microarchitecture. These changes increase the probability of bone fracture. This study aimed to determine the effect of an empowerment program based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) on the self-efficacy of older adults to prevent osteoporosis. Methods: It was a randomized controlled trial with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design. The participants were selected by convenient sampling method and randomly assigned to the intervention (n=38) and control (n=38) groups. The data collection tools were the Osteoporosis Self-efficacy Scale (OSEB) and Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale (OHBS). The intervention program was performed over a consecutive 4-week group education, and a 4-week individual follow up. The study questionnaires were completed before, immediately after the last session, and one month after the completion of the study. The obtained data were analyzed by the Chisquare, Independent t-test, and repeated measures ANOVA in SPSS V. 13. Results: There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of the mean scores of OSEB and its subscales (P<0.05) and the OHBS (P<0.05) after the intervention. These differences were not significant in the control group in all domains (P≥0.05) except "perceived barriers of calcium intake" (P=0.04) and "health motivation" (P=0.02). Conclusion: Education based on HBM is effective in promoting self-efficacy and osteoporosis preventing behaviors. Therefore, this kind of education is suggested for older adults to prevent osteoporosis.

The effectiveness of multidisciplinary interventions based on health belief model on musculoskeletal pain in the elderly living in nursing homes: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…According to this model, the adoption of health behavior is effective when a person believes in the benefits/barriers of preventive behavior to decrease his/her disease and also believes that he/she is susceptible to the disease which may be so severe and threaten [ 27 ]. The individual’s perception can have a positive or negative effect on doing preventive behaviors [ 28 – 30 ]. The lower perception of the behavior barriers as well as the higher self-efficacy causes the more preventive behaviors performing against these disorders [ 29 ].…”

“…In various studies, the relationship between self-efficacy [ 31 ] and understanding the benefits of exercise in preventing osteoporosis in women and ultimately reducing pain has been reported [ 32 ]. Moreover, the relationship between promoting self-efficacy regarding preventive behaviors of osteoporosis [ 28 ] and reducing barriers in promoting physical activity [ 33 ] has been proven. HBM-based empowerment program can be an effective strategy for increasing self-perceived efficacy and benefits and also reduce perceived barriers in the elderly regarding preventive behaviors [ 28 , 34 ].…”

“…Moreover, the relationship between promoting self-efficacy regarding preventive behaviors of osteoporosis [ 28 ] and reducing barriers in promoting physical activity [ 33 ] has been proven. HBM-based empowerment program can be an effective strategy for increasing self-perceived efficacy and benefits and also reduce perceived barriers in the elderly regarding preventive behaviors [ 28 , 34 ].…”

Bone health education programs for older people: an integrative review

“…Bone health education programs provided a range of benefits for older people with OP, including: improvements in bone mineral density (BMD), OP knowledge, self-efficacy, health beliefs, and quality of life 22,23 ; adherence to medication and physical exercise, and dietary patterns (increased calcium and vitamin D intake) 22,[24][25][26][27][28] ; reductions in falling, fractures, and exposure to modifiable risk factors; and increased empowerment 24 .…”

“…This type of intervention combines the collection of participant information, the formulation of an individual therapeutic schedule for each participant, and monitoring of their conditions 22 . The main out-comes of the prevention interventions analyzed in this review were: increase in physical exercise, use of calcium and vitamin D supplements, adherence to drug therapy, improved quality of life, pain relief, increased knowledge about OP, and changes in health belief and self-efficacy 22,25,26 . Follow-up and monitoring the condition of participants throughout the education process is key to increasing knowledge and self-efficacy 22 .…”