Educational Program and Osteoporosis Preventive Behaviors among a Sample of Iranian Women

Aims: Osteoporosis is a well-known public health problem that can be prevented, but it can lead to patients’ disability and imposes a high financial burden on individuals and the community. Osteoporosis is a disease in which lifestyle play an important role in it’s’ prevention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of an educational intervention on osteoporosis prevention among women over 40 years old referred to the Iranian Rheumatism Center. Method and Instruments: The present study is a semi-experimental research, in which 67 women were selected convenience sampling method and non-random assignment. The training program was designed based on literature review and need assessment and implement by lecture and responded to the participants’ questions. Data were collected by a questionnaire which was completed before the intervention and one month after the intervention and analyzed through descrivetive/ analytical Spss16 tests. Findings: Totally 67 eligible women took part in the study and completed the questionnaire. After intervention, there were significant improved knowledge (P = 0.001), physical activity (P = 0.022), calcium consumption (P = 0.001), exposure time in sunlight (P = 0.035). Moreover, there was a significant difference between the two groups. 94.1% of the hand and face were exposed to sunlight before the intervention, but after intervention 45% of the legs and trunk were exposed to sunlight. Conclusion: This study showed that educational program, could increase the preventive behaviors of osteoporosis in women and help reduce musculoskeletal pain in them.