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

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. 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 Chi-square, Independent t-test, and repeated measures ANOVA in SPSS V. 13. 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). 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.