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

Abstract

Background:Women of all ages are a population at risk for osteoporosis; the key prevention method for osteoporosis is that of the educational programs using a behavior change model. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the education program using the health belief model on knowledge and health beliefs towards osteoporosis prevention among women attending primary health care centers. The research hypothesis:The experimental group women who involved in the education program will be expected to demonstrate higher levels of knowledge and stronger health beliefs of osteoporosis than the control group women who not involved. Design:A quasi?experimental study. Methods: The purposive sample included 200 women who were assigned into two groups.Experimental (N = 100) and control (N = 100) were selected from two family health centers. Two tools were used. 1) Women Structured Interviewing Questionnaire involving demographic characteristics and osteoporosis knowledge test (OKT). 2) Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale (OHBS). Results:Post and follow-up program implementation, a significant increment was found in comparison with the control group in the mean scores of the experimental group in the OKT and OHBS (p <0.000). Conclusion:The developed osteoporosis education program using the health belief model had a remarkable and significant impact on improving women's knowledge and their health beliefs regarding osteoporosis prevention behaviors. Recommendation:Primary healthcare programs regarding osteoporosis preventive strategies using the health belief model should be implemented on a routine base in all healthcare centers.