Application of the Precede-Proceed Model in Promoting Physical Activity for Prevention of Osteoporosis among Women

Aims: Osteoporosis is a major public health problem in the world, which can be prevented or its onset can be delayed through some lifestyle changes. The aim of this study was to assess the application of the precede-proceed model in promoting physical activity for prevention of osteoporosis among women. The present quasi-experimental study examined the application of precede-proceed model on the physical activity of 120 women with the age range of 15 to 49 years old, who were selected by multistage random sampling in Kerman in 2014. The participants were divided to the control (n=60) and intervention (n=60) groups. Among the preventive behaviors of osteoporosis, physical activity was selected for the educational intervention. The educational intervention lasted for 2 months. An international standard questionnaire was used to measure physical activity, and a researcher-made questionnaire, according to the constructs of precede model was used to collect data before and after the intervention. The data were analyzed by SPSS 20, using Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, and Chi-square tests as well as descriptive statistics. Findings: After educational interventions, the mean scores of predisposing, reinforcing and empowering factors, as well as osteoporosis preventive behaviors (physical activity) significantly increased only in the intervention group (p<0.001). Health education and health promotion interventions based on precede-proceed model can lead to increased physical activity and eventually prevent osteoporosis in women.