The Effect of Application of Health Belief Model on Osteoporosis' Knowledge and Preventive Behaviors among Child Bearing Women

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is one of the most common metabolic bone diseases and is the silent epidemic of this age group. Aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of application of health belief model on Osteoporosis' knowledge and preventive behaviors among Child Bearing Women. Design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized. Sample: A purposive sample of ninety (90) women who attended the maternal and child health centers for antenatal follow up or for other maternal and child health services. Setting: This study was carried out at 5 maternal and child health care centers that are chosen randomly for application of osteoporosis prevention program from 50 maternal and child health care centers at El-Qualiobia Governorate. Tools: Data were collected through: A self-administered questionnaire to assess women characteristics and knowledge regarding osteoporosis prevention, health belief model to assess perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived barriers, perceived benefits and cues to action to practice osteoporosis preventive behaviors. Results: There were highly statistically significant differences after implementing osteoporosis prevention program based on health belief model regarding osteoporosis' knowledge and preventive behaviors among child bearing women. The mean scores of perceived susceptibility and severity of osteoporosis, as well as perceived benefits of early detection and cues to action to practice osteoporosis prevention behaviors were significantly higher. There were positive highly statistically significant correlations between total knowledge and total health beliefs scores of the studied women before and after program implementation. Conclusion: The implementing osteoporosis prevention based on health belief model enhances women knowledge; change positively health beliefs and cues to action regarding practice of osteoporosis preventive behaviors. Recommendation: Dissemination of implementing osteoporosis prevention based on health belief model among women at different age group to prevent the risk of osteoporosis.